Ep 9. Flora and Fauna

QI, short for Quite Interesting, is a popular British television show that has gained a cult following among fans all over the world, and for good reason. The show is hosted by the witty and charming Stephen Fry, who is joined by a rotating panel of four comedians, who together explore a wide range of topics, from history to science to popular culture, in a fun and entertaining way.

In season 6 episode 9, entitled 'Flora and Fauna', the panelists are tasked with answering questions related to the plant and animal kingdoms, with a particular focus on the weird and wonderful creatures that share our planet with us. As always, the questions are not your run-of-the-mill trivia fare, but rather are designed to test the limits of the panelists' knowledge and to challenge their assumptions about the world.

The first round of the show sees the panelists attempting to identify various animals based purely on their sounds, with some surprising results. From the eerie screech of the Tasmanian devil to the distinctive roar of the sea lion, the panelists are put to the test in their ability to recognize the sounds of the natural world.

The theme of the episode is continued in the second round, where the panelists are asked to identify a range of exotic plants, from the pitcher plant with its deadly digestive system to the giant hogweed, which can cause serious skin burns. They are also quizzed on the unusual uses of some plants, such as the opium poppy, which has been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries.

The third round of the show takes a more philosophical turn, exploring the ideas of the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, who was responsible for creating the modern system of classifying plants and animals. The panelists are asked to identify some of the bizarre and sometimes disturbing ways that animals have been categorized in the past, such as the belief that the platypus was a hoax created by tricksters.

As usual, the show is peppered with amusing anecdotes and witty banter from the panelists, who display an impressive amount of knowledge and curiosity about the subjects at hand. Audience members are also invited to participate in the games, adding an extra layer of interactivity to the proceedings.

Overall, 'Flora and Fauna' is a fascinating, entertaining, and at times surprising episode of QI, which showcases the best of the show's unique blend of humor, intellectual curiosity, and irreverence. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or simply curious about the natural world, this episode is well worth a watch.