Science After Hours | What Islands Teach Us About Birds and Evolution

Join the Museum's new Curator of Ornithology, Dr. Ethan Gyllenhaal, to discover how islands have shaped some of the world's most remarkable birds—and what they reveal about evolution.

Studying how life on Earth evolved is challenging because it often requires understanding processes that occurred thousands or millions of years ago from our modern viewpoint. Islands can make this easier. They serve as "natural laboratories" where evolutionary biologists can study the repeated patterns of evolution in species that live in far-flung archipelagos.

During this presentation, we will explore the history of studying evolution on islands. We will also examine Dr. Gyllenhaal's research on ocean-crossing, island-dwelling birds to learn what their histories tell us about life. These islands teach us what species are, why some are more prone to extinction, and how geography shapes the evolutionary process. We will discuss why islands are not as isolated as they seem—and why this matters for conservation.

Doors open at 6pm; the program begins at 6:30pm in the Rare Book Room. The evening will continue in the galleries and conclude with a reception in the Visitor Hall.

Tickets & Parking

Nonmembers: $35
Members: $30
Leadership Circle: FREE

To learn more about joining the Leadership Circle, please contact Kelly Federico, Annual Fund Manager, at 216.231.4600 x3360 or kfederico@cmnh.org.

$10 flat-rate parking in the Museum's attached garage

We want everyone to enjoy our programs. If you require a sign language interpreter, please email programming@cmnh.org or call 216.231.4600 at least one week in advance of the program date.

About Science After Hours

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Science After Hours program invites you to connect with the Museum community while deepening your understanding of the natural world and your place within it. Join other lifelong learners for enriching discussions, sneak peeks at emerging research findings, and firsthand insights from experts. Each program features a different topic, highlights information from our new galleries, and is sure to spark your curiosity and inspire action.

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