The origin of species: the Australian connection

Transcripts

A doctor in the Australian garden - Linnaeus, his tercentenary and Australian flora
22 May 2007

Professor John Pearn AM
Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health
University of Queensland

Linnaeus' invention of the binomial system of nomenclature for all organisms is one of the most significant advances in the history of science. Domestic gardens and the iconic Australian 'bush' are rich in the scientific legacy of Linnaeus' work. This talk highlights some of the features of Australian flora which is a witness of history and heritage and contemporary medicine.

Geological crises in the evolutionary theatre
3 April 2007

Professor John Chappell
Professor of Geomorphology and Quaternary Research
Research School of Earth Science
Australian National University

Australia's evolutionary past is punctuated by major events which have been prompted by geological changes. Events include mass extinctions in the Permian period, the death of the dinosaurs at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, the Quaternary ice ages and the explosion of life during the Cambrian period which eclipsed the Ediacaran life-forms.

Yet none of these quite mimic the impact on our planet of a relatively new organism - human beings. Ironically, it is through us and our scientific exploration that we will discover the links between climate change, sustainability and evolution that surround us today.

Mr Toad comes to Darwin: An evolutionary perspective on the cane toad invasion
6 March 2007

Professor Rick Shine
ARC Federation Fellow
School of Biological Sciences
University of Sydney

Traditionally, conservation problems have been seen as ecological issues, unfolding too rapidly for evolutionary processes to play any significant role. However, adaptation can happen very quickly under some circumstances, and the current invasion of cane toads through tropical Australia has already produced some clear evolutionary effects. This talk will review recent evidence of rapid changes in the toads themselves (as they adapt to Australian conditions, and to the invasion process) and concurrent rapid responses by the native fauna (as they evolve to survive in the presence of these toxic invaders).

The Great Barrier Reef: Designed to survive (built to last?)
6 February 2007

Professor Terry Hughes
Director
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University
Townsville, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef has endured for millions of years but what does the future hold in the face of rapid climate change and other human impacts? Professor Terry Hughes dives into the world of corals and their unique adaptations to an ever-changing environment.

Why is Australia a cradle for the evolution of complex social systems in birds?
5 December 2006

Professor Andrew Cockburn
Professor of Evolutionary Biology
School of Botany and Zoology
Australian National University

The traditional view of our feathered friends condemns birds as 'bird-brained'. However, recent research has revealed a level of cognitive sophistication and social complexity that rivals, and in some cases exceeds, that of non-human primates. Australian birds are among the extreme examples of the evolution of social complexity and several bird species living in the vicinity of the Australian Academy of Science have become critical to the understanding of the evolution of complex societies and mating systems. This lecture reviewed relevant research, focusing on the bird which has taken infidelity and social deception to the extreme, the much-loved superb fairy-wren.

Drifting proteas or continents? Historical biogeography of the Proteaceae
3 October 2006

Dr Peter Weston
Principal Research Scientist,
National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens Trust, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Royal Botanic Gardens

Inspired by his recent collaborations with the Botany Department at Rhodes University, South Africa, Dr Peter Weston took the audience on an international botanic journey. Peter is Principal Research Scientist at the National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens Trust, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Royal Botanic Gardens.

Australian mammals: Curious sex and reproduction
15 August 2006

Professor Jenny Graves and Dr Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe took their audience on a journey into the weird, wonderful and downright curious lives of some of Australia's iconic mammals. They explored strange genetics and extraordinary sex lives, and the secrets they reveal about us.

Introduction
Professor Jenny Graves
Dr Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe

This lecture coincided with the Australian Science Festival