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Discovery Talk: Dr Rob Asher, Curator of Vertebrates

13.15-13.45

Join our Curator of Vertebrates Dr Rob Asher and find out about research into mammals taking place in the Museum of Zoology. 

Cats: The Evolution of Natural Killers

All living cats belong in the group Felidae, which is in turn a part of the large group of placental mammals called Carnivora. Carnivorans related to cats include animals like meercats and hyaenas, along with dogs, bears, and aquatic species like walruses, seals and sea lions.

“Carnivora” as an evolutionary term is about the Tree of Life, not eating meat, and plenty of meat-eating animals (quolls, sharks, etc.) are not part of the group Carnivora (and at least one carnivoran---the giant panda---is vegetarian!). Domestic cats have been cherished as pets by many humans for centuries. We’ll discuss how this has resulted in the extinction of other species, as well as the affinity of the mind-altering parasite Toxoplasma to its feline host, and what these facts mean for a responsible future of human-animal (particularly cat) interactions.

Suitable for ages 12+

Free. No need to book.

Date: 
Friday, 8 November, 2019 - 13:15 to 13:45