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Bean Life Science Museum - Tanner Lectures

Semi-Annual John Tanner Lecture

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Reception - 6:30 PM in the main exhibit gallery of the Museum

Lecture - 7:00 PM in the Tanner Auditorium on the first floor of the Museum

 

"Evolution of Darwin’s Inspirations: Giant Galápagos Tortoises"

Jeffrey R. Powell and Adalgisa Caccone
Yale University

 

 

 

    The tortoises that inhabit the Galápagos Islands are one of only two remaining lineages of giant tortoises that once inhabited every continent except Antarctica.  Since Darwin’s 1835 visit to Galápagos, these animals have risen to prominence as an inspiration in arriving at one of the greatest intellectual advances in biology as well as being spectacular animals in their own right.  We have been studying the genetics of these endangered taxa.  Major findings include a detailed understanding of their phylogeographic history, insights into the taxonomic validity of the named species, effects of volcanic activity on genetic diversity of remaining taxa, effects of human activities on population genetic patterns, genetic identification of the origin of captive animals, and insights into the genetics of a highly successful captive breeding/repatriation program.  The proven ability to repatriate nearly extinct taxa emphasizes the feasibility of restoring populations of these largest extant terrestrial poikiothermic herbivores in order to maintain the integrity of the unique island ecosystems.  Most recently we have focused on the possibility that the renowned Lonesome George may not be the last living representative of his unique lineage.  Our techniques have been almost entirely DNA-based analysis of a collection of about 4,000 blood samples as well as museum specimens representing extinct or nearly extinct lineages.

 Other Tortoise Publications

 

Professors from Brigham Young University and other universities are invited to present lectures about their research.

Presenter Title Date Audio Download Video Download
Dr. Riley Nelson, BYU Natural History in an Unnatural World November 30, 2006 Nelson.audio Not available
Dr. Pam Soltis, University of Florida The Origin of Species: Examples from the plant genus Tragapogon March 29, 2007 Soltis.audio Soltis.video
Dr. Bill Newmark, Museum of Natural History, University of Utah Designing Nature Reserves: Lessons from Western North America and East Africa November 15, 2007 Newmark.audio Newmark.video
Dr. Jeffrey R. Powell and Dr. Adalgisa Caccone,
Yale University		 "Evolution of Darwin’s Inspirations: Giant Galápagos Tortoises" March 27, 2008   Powell.video
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