Science bar: the migration of plant and animal populations since the dawn of time
On June 13, starting at 7pm, the next Science Bar organized by the University of Montpellier will take place. For this edition, Fabien Anthelme, ecologist at AMAP and Jean-Jacques Cornée, researcher at Géosciences de l'UM, will talk to the public about the migration of animal and plant populations.
There is a huge diversity of animal and plant species on earth today, estimated at over 8 million, although science has only recorded 2 million. These living creatures inhabit every part of the globe, from the ocean floor to mountain peaks, and from tropical forests to polar deserts. But how did biodiversity reach such a huge number of species? Why are some places so diverse, while others are so poor? Why do environments with comparable conditions have different populations?
Keys to coping
Biodiversity and its distribution can be explained by numerous factors linked to soil, climate and interactions, but also to the geological history of our planet. For example, recent discoveries concerning the movement of tectonic plates are helping us to better understand the migration of animal and plant species. This knowledge, combined with the observation of ever-accelerating contemporary changes, sheds light on the upheavals caused by human activity and provides the keys to a better response.
This month, two experts will be on hand at the Bar des Sciences to talk to the public:
- Fabien Anthelme is an ecologist and Research Director at IRD. Within the AMAP laboratory (Botany and Modeling of Plant and Vegetation Architecture), he coordinates a research team on high-altitude tropical plants and ecosystems in the Andes.
- Jean-Jacques Cornée, CNRS doctor emeritus, is a member of the Geosciences laboratory. He is currently studying the geological movements of the West Indies during the Tertiary Era and the related population dynamics.
The Bar des sciences has become one of Montpellier's flagship events for scientific culture, offering once a month, from January to June, a participatory and civic debate on all aspects of science. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in a dialogue in which their knowledge and practices are not only shared, but also discussed. The season is co-produced by the UM's scientific culture services and its partners: Inrae, Inserm and IRD. This evening will be translated into sign language. Admission free, subject to availability.
Practical information:
- Date: Thursday June 13 at 7pm.
- Venue: Médiathèque Emile Zola, 218 boulevard de l'Aéroport international, 34000 Montpellier.
Free admission, subject to availability