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SUMMARY:Evolution and Conservation of Biodiversity - Professor Craig Morit
 z\, University of California
DTSTART:20090220T173000Z
DTEND:20090220T183000Z
UID:TALK13703@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Janet Gibson
DESCRIPTION:Abstract\n\nUnderstanding how the evolutionary processes expou
 nded by Darwin and Wallace have shaped current patterns of biodiversity is
  a profound challenge to modern Evolutionary Biogeography. We live in a ti
 me of accelerating global change due to human impacts on the biosphere\, l
 eading many to refer to an anthropogenic extinction crisis.  Yet our knowl
 edge of the distribution of biodiversity remains woefully incomplete. This
  limits the effectiveness of conservation efforts\, especially those withi
 n recognized global hotspots. Here then\, is the challenge to the new gene
 ration of evolutionary biogeographers – to be able to predict the curren
 t distribution of diversity\, at multiple scales\, by harnessing our knowl
 edge of evolutionary processes and past environmental change.  From this p
 oint\, we can forecast better the inevitable impacts future global change 
 and identify strategies that will protect both the products of past evolut
 ion and the processes that ensure ongoing viability of natural systems.  I
 n this talk\, I will describe how key biogeographic insights of Darwin and
  Wallace have been supported and extended by modern (especially molecular)
  biogeography\, with particular reference to island radiations and tropica
 l rainforests. Drawing on this\, I will outline a predictive approach to b
 iogeographic analysis. Though incomplete\, such a framework should enhance
  both the fundamental science and the effectiveness of conservation in a r
 apidly changing world.\n\nBiography\n\nProfessor Craig Moritz is Director 
 of the Museum of Verterbrate Zoology and Professor of Integrative Biology\
 , University of California\, Berkeley. He holds the Whitley Award\, Roy. Z
 ool. Soc. NSW (1997)\;  Special Investigator Award from the Australian Res
 earch Council (1998 – 2003)\; Fellow of the California Academy of Scienc
 e (2002)\, Hon Professor at Univ. Queensland (2002)\, Virginia & Walter Gi
 ll Chair of Natural History (2002). Craig’s current major research proje
 cts are:\n•	Genetics and evolution of rainforest fauna\n•	Molecular po
 pulation genetics of endangered/managed species (various)\n•	Biodiversit
 y Informatics & Museums Science\n•	MVZ Grinnell project\n•	Mapping evo
 lutionary hotspots for conservation in California\n
LOCATION:LMH\, Lady Mitchell Hall
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