| Start Date: | 1/14/2015 | Start Time: | 3:30 PM |
| End Date: | 1/14/2015 | End Time: | 5:00 PM |
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Event Description
Learn about the exciting research being done by faculty in all departments of the College of Arts and Sciences!
Title: Traditional 19th Century Exploration Meets 21st Century Biodiversity Science: Amazonian Expeditions to Study the Biodiversity and Endemism of Birds and their Parasites
Amazonia — the world’s largest, most intact, and most diverse tropical forest ecosystem on the planet — is often considered a uniform carpet of biodiversity. However, early biodiversity researchers noted that Amazonia isn’t a single unit of biodiversity; major Amazonian rivers form barriers to species, with at least eight Amazonia areas of endemism harboring unique faunas.
In this talk, Jason D. Weckstein, PhD, will demonstrate how his research combines 19th century wilderness exploration with 21st century biodiversity science to study the biodiversity and endemism of birds and their associated parasites. While huge Amazonian rivers act as geographic barriers for birds and other organisms, they are also excellent roadways for human travel to remote wilderness regions. However, in southeastern Amazonia, as habitat has been destroyed, roads have taken over. Weckstein will take us on two expeditions: one using a boat as a moveable laboratory to travel up the remote Rio Japurá region, and another using trucks to access the largest remaining track of forest in the endangered Belém area of Amazonia.
The College of Arts and Sciences' Dean's Seminars are free and open to the Drexel community. Light refreshments will be served. |
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Location:
Disque Hall, Room 109, 32 South 32nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19135 |
Special Features:
Free Food |
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