Darwin Days 2013:
February 11 - 16

Evolution and Invasive Species

When one hears the words “invasive species” in the news today, it is usually referring to wild plants or animals that humans have introduced (accidentally or on purpose) to an area where they did not previously live. Recent examples from the Northeastern US include the emerald ash borer (a beetle), Hydrilla (an alga), and snakehead (a fish). A surprising number of the plants and animals we see every day—from slugs to starlings—are not native to New York State. These and many other invasive species can cause enormous environmental and economic damage. We hear much less, however, about what such invasions mean for evolution or what the study of evolution can tell us that might help mitigate or prevent the damage they cause.

Join us for week-long celebration of Darwin and his ideas.  For more information, please contact Sally Vann at 607-273-6623 x10.

Darwin Days Schedule:

Monday, February 11, 5pm:
Keynote address: “Invasive species, fossils, and evolution”
Dr. Alycia Stigall. Ohio University
Kaufman Auditorium, Goldwin-Smith Hall, Cornell University

 
Tuesday, February 12, 5pm:
Panel Discussion: Terrestrial Invasives
Kaufman Auditorium, Goldwin-Smith Hall, Cornell University

 
Darwin Day Trivia, 8-10pm
Big Red Barn, Cornell University
 

Wednesday, February 13, 5pm:
Panel Discussion: Aquatic Invasives
Goldwin-Smith Hall, Room 142, Cornell University

 
Thursday, February 14, 6pm
Lecture: “Can cooperation evolve by natural selection?”
Allen MacNeill
Risley Hall


Friday, February 15, 5pm:
Panel Discussion: Fossil Invasives/Invasives in Paleo
Goldwin-Smith Hall, Room 142, Cornell University
 

Saturday, February 16, 10am-1pm:
Family Day: “Invasion of the Evolving Invasives!”
Cayuga Nature Center
Please note: all Family Day activities will take place at the Nature Center (there are no activities at the Museum)

Guest Viewpoint: Invasive species show evolution in action today

Celebrating Darwin: Religion and Science Are Closer Than You Think