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SUMMARY:The evolution of wing colour patterns in butterflies and the probl
 em of speciation - Patricio Salazar
DTSTART:20100506T120000Z
DTEND:20100506T130000Z
UID:TALK22585@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Dr James Kirkbride
DESCRIPTION:The most outstanding characteristic of butterflies is their wi
 ng colour patterns. For many of us\, their natural diversity extends beyon
 d what we could have imagined. Thus\, one of the most intriguing questions
  about the natural world — for both scientists and nature lovers — is 
 how could such an incredible diversity and beauty have arisen? In this tal
 k I will review\, in the first place\, some of what we currently know abou
 t how wing colour patterns are formed during butterfly growth and developm
 ent\, and how environmental and reproductive factors drive their evolution
  and diversity. In addition\, however\, wing colour patterns are more than
  just a beautiful feature\, they play an important role in the process thr
 ough which new butterfly species originate. Moreover\, ‘what is a specie
 s?’ is one of the most fundamental questions in biology and is an import
 ant subject of research and debate. It was\, in fact\, Darwin’s motivati
 on to work on evolutionary theory. In this talk\, I will also examine the 
 role of wing colour patters in butterfly speciation\, and discuss some of 
 the current views on the problem of speciation in general.
LOCATION:Entertaining Room\, Darwin College
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