TOPLES on evolution

What it is

The TikTok account of TOPLES (ТОПЛЕС), one of the biggest Russian-language popular-science projects. On YouTube it publishes long videos under the promise of "complex things in plain words"; TikTok is the short version. About 3.2 million people follow it here. The official YouTube channel links to this account in its description, so this is the real thing, not a fan page. The videos are in Russian.

Why we picked it

Lately the main theme is evolution and animal behavior. Prairie dogs that researchers say can "talk." Primates sharing something like memes. How scientists try to teach apes human language. Why a big brain isn't always an advantage, and which animal could fairly be called the smartest. Why lone wolves fare worse than wolves in a pack. And "the strangest bone in the animal kingdom," which we'll leave as a surprise.

To be honest, the style is loud: all-caps titles, blunt slang and teasers for the team's TOPCAST podcast. But the topics underneath are real science, and a one-minute clip is an easier start than a half-hour lecture. If something catches your interest, the same questions get a thorough treatment on the YouTube channel.

Where to start

• "Prairie dogs can talk!"
• "How do you teach an ape to talk?"
• "A big brain isn't always good. Which animal is the smartest?"
• "Evidence of evolution inside us," a teaser for a long episode.
• "The strangest animal bone."

Who it's for

Teenagers who aren't ready for long lectures but love "did you know" facts, adults who want a quick evolution thought between other things, and Russian learners at an upper-intermediate level who want fast, lively listening practice.

Quick answers

What language is it in? Russian, spoken fast.

Is it serious science? It's popularization: the topics are scientific, but the delivery aims at a wide audience and sometimes leans clickbait. The YouTube episodes go deeper.

Is it the official account? Yes, the TOPLES YouTube channel links to it.