PREVIOUS EVENTS

How does an insect evolve to resemble a bit of twig? How do harmless flies come to look like fierce wasps? The power of evolution has given the world plants that look like animals; animals that disappear when they alight on a tree; and other animals that vanish in direct sunlight. Some of these resemblances are very close, whereas others appear only vaguely similar to our eyes.

Dr Christopher Hassall is a fellow of the Leeds University School of Biology. He undertakes research into the evolution of insects, how species are responding to climate change, and the ecology of wetland habitats. He will talk about the way that plants, insects and other animals have evolved to mimic other species. He will discuss the advantages this gives them, and his research into stronger and weaker resemblances. He will also talk about whether humans have unintentionally driven the evolution of mimicry.