Connect with today's leaders of scientific discovery. The Explorer Series showcases acclaimed scientists, Museum curators, authors and adventurers. Join us as we welcome renowned experts and celebrated explorers, and listen as they illuminate breakthroughs and challenges facing natural history, natural science, human health and sustainability.

DARWIN COMES TO TOWN: HOW THE URBAN JUNGLE DRIVES EVOLUTION

Three-quarters of humans live in cities, and a large portion of the planet's landmass is urbanized. With much of the rest covered by human-shaped farms, pasture, and plantations, where can nature still go? One possibility: to the cities. Thanks to evolutionary adaptation taking place at unprecedented speeds, plants and animals are devising new ways of living in the seemingly hostile environments of asphalt and steel that humans have created. Dr. Schilthuizen will discuss this new chapter in the history of life--a chapter in which much older biodiversity is disappearing, but also one in which new and exciting life forms are being born. 

Lecture with Dr. Menno Schilthuizen, Senior Researcher, Naturalis Biodiversity Center; Professor of Evolutionary Biology, Leiden University

11AM EST: Presentation begins, followed by Q&A. Guests will be able to submit questions during the lecture and selected questions will be answered during the Q&A. 

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