Movers and shakers: plants and animals travel long distances to benefit from big disturbances

Professor Ceridwen Fraser (Otago University)

Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides – large physical changes to the Earth – are often seen as destructive, but they can also open exciting opportunities for biological change. When one population is wiped out, another will take its place. This talk will look at how plants and animals respond to large-scale dynamic changes in the environment, and how long-distance dispersal is critical for them to be able to grab new opportunities. Come on a journey with ticks travelling on penguins, bugs and seaweed rafting to Antarctica, and tiny critters weathering ice ages in volcanic caves beneath the Antarctic ice sheet.

Non-members $10 door donation. Students free. Everyone welcome.