Evolution and Conservation of Island Birds - Lessons from Genomics

Scott V. Edwards, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Curator of Ornithology and Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
Many birds that live on islands have lost adaptations-such as the capacity to fly-typically thought to be fundamental to their evolutionary success. What is it about living on islands that drives these changes? Scott Edwards will discuss how modern genomics research helps us understand the evolution and genetic diversity of island birds and how this research can help conservation efforts.
Evolution Matters Series supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit
March 8, 2016, 6:00pm