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Monthly Program – October 2022
October 3, 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME FOR THIS PROGRAM – 7:00pm
EVOLUTION OF VISUAL SYSTEM AND COLOR DIVERSITY IN BIRDS
Birds can see an astonishing diversity of colors that span not only the human visible spectrum but into the ultraviolet as well. They can also display these colors in their plumage. This array of hues is produced by various mechanisms and is perceived by birds differently de-pending on the sensitivity of each bird’s visual system. Despite our wealth of knowledge on bird coloration and vision, few large-scale comparative studies have linked the evolution of the avian visual system and the colors birds produce. Using genomic data, 3D models of museum specimens, and the genetic relationships of all bird species, Whitney examines how the visual system evolves across the bird tree of life. Understanding the link between avian color perception and the plumage hues birds produce, we can gain a better understanding of how birds evolved such an incredible rainbow of colors.
Whitney Tsai Nakashima is a PhD Candidate in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Research Associate at the Moore Laboratory of Zoology at Occidental College. Her work focuses on using historical museum collections and modern genomic and analytical techniques to better under-stand the evolutionary processes that generate and maintain avian diversity. In addition to research, she is involved in museum and STEM-based outreach programs to support young women and underrepresented youth in STEM fields.
This program will be in a hybrid format: in-person at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, and also online via Zoom.
In Person
Masks will be required, and the in person group will be limited to a maximum of thirty to allow for social distancing purposes, so please RSVP to the Programs Coordinator to reserve a seat.
Via Zoom
If you are sharing photos, you will be able to narrate your show during the Zoom meeting. To attend this meeting, use this link (https://zoom.us/j/6155249106) at the meeting time.