Science Bar: The Migration of Animal and Plant Populations Since the Dawn of Time
On June 13, starting at 7 p.m., the next “Bar des sciences” event, organized by the University of Montpellier, will take place. For this edition, Fabien Anthelme, an ecologist at AMAP and Jean-Jacques Cornée, a researcher at Géosciences de l’UM , will discuss animal and plant population migrations with the audience.
Today, there is a great diversity of animal and plant species on Earth; their number is estimated at over 8 million, although scientists have identified only 2 million. These living beings 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 large number of species? Why do some places have great diversity while others are relatively poor in species? Why don’t habitats with comparable conditions have the same species communities?
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Biodiversity and its distribution can be explained by numerous factors related to soil, climate, and interactions, as well as to our planet’s geological history. For example, recent discoveries regarding the movement of tectonic plates help us better understand the migration of animal and plant species. This knowledge, combined with observations of today’s ever-accelerating changes, sheds light on the upheavals caused by human activity and thus provides insights into how to better address them.
To engage with the public, two experts will be appearing this month at the Bar des sciences:
- Fabien Anthelme is an ecologist and research director at the IRD. At the AMAP laboratory (botany and modeling of plant and vegetation architecture), he coordinates a research team studying high-altitude tropical plants and ecosystems in the Andes.
- Jean-Jacques Cornée, a CNRS Doctor Emeritus, is a member of the Geosciences Laboratory. He is currently studying the geological movements of the West Indies during the Tertiary Period and the associated population dynamics.
The Bar des sciences has become one of Montpellier’s flagship events for scientific culture, offering a monthly participatory, community-focused discussion on all aspects of science from January through June. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in a dialogue where their knowledge and practices are not only shared but also open to discussion. The season is co-produced by the science outreach departments of theUM , and its partners: INRAE, INSERM, and IRD. Sign language interpretation will be provided for this event. Free admission, subject to availability.
Practical Information:
- Date: Thursday, June 13, at 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Emile Zola Media Library, 218 Boulevard de l’Aéroport international, 34000 Montpellier.
Free admission, subject to availability