Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/06/2020
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Categories
Using Evolutionary Genomics to Improve Environmental Management and Human Health.
Zoom Meeting https://ufl.zoom.us/j/512581235
Abstract:
The rapid advance of genome sequencing and analysis technologies has accelerated the field of evolutionary biology into a long-sought era of applied research. My work brings together knowledge from diverse fields to achieve actionable insights into environmental management and human health. In this seminar, I will discuss (1) genetic evidence of how climate warming at the end of the last ice age drove widespread hybridization between polar bear and brown bears, a likely recurrent phenomenon as the climate once again warms rapidly. (2) How I used genomics to test hypotheses underlying politically motivated proposals to remove the grey wolf from endangered species protection. (3) My comparative genomics analyses identify selection traits essential to the development of language. Finally, I will discuss my vision for synthesizing these projects and techniques to advance human health, facilitate conservation biology, monitor environmental toxins and restore biodiversity.
Zoom Meeting https://ufl.zoom.us/j/512581235