In the early 1990s, a scandal rocked evolutionary biology: scientists discovered that songbirds -- once thought to be strictly monogamous -- engaged in what's politely called "extra-pair copulation." In this unforgettable biology lesson on animal infidelity, TED Fellow Danielle N. Lee shows how she uses hip-hop to teach science, leading the crowd in an updated version of Naughty by Nature's hit "O.P.P."

How hip-hop helps us understand science

Scientists once believed over 90 percent of bird species were monogamous, but DNA testing in the 1990s uncovered widespread infidelity among songbirds. The discovery forced biology to redefine what monogamy means in animals, introducing terms like "serial monogamy" and "social monogamy." By remixing hip-hop classics like "O.P.P.," science educators can connect with students using familiar cultural touchstones. This approach bridges science and culture, making complex ideas accessible and relevant.

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Danielle N. Lee: How hip-hop helps us understand science