IYB at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê: The treasures of evolution
14 May 2010
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In this short film, palaeobiologist Dr Anjali Goswami (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Genetics, Evolution and Environment and Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Earth Sciences) explains what we can learn about biodiversity from the collection housed at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê's Grant Museum of Zoology.
Dr Goswami, whose research focuses on mammalian evolution, said the unique specimens at the Grant give us a glimpse into the biology of extinct species and underline the importance of protecting our natural world.
The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) - a chance to celebrate and safeguard the diversity of life on Earth.
Biodiversity embraces every every plant, animal and micro-organism, and sustains the ecosystems that provide us with food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê's wide-ranging research promotes a profound understanding of its importance and seeks new ways to preserve the richness of the natural world.
For more information about IYB, follow the link above.
Image: IYB logo
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê context
The Grant Museum is the only university zoological museum in London. Founded in 1827, it houses around 62,000 specimens, including many species now endangered or extinct such as the Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine, the Quagga, and the Dodo.
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