Lecture: The Fascinating Feathers of the Sandgrouse
When:
Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024 6:30p -
8:00p
Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024 6:30p -
8:00p
Where:
Weld Hill Lecture Hall
1300 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Admission:
FREE
Hosted by:
Categories:
Animals, Lectures & Conferences
On-Site Lecture: The Fascinating Feathers of the Sandgrouse
Tuesday, January 16, 6:30–8:00pm
Location: Weld Hill Lecture Hall
The birds that populate the Arnold Arboretum rarely have to go far to find water. In the deserts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, it's a different story, and the sandgrouse that lives in these arid environments has developed a fascinating adaptation to stay hydrated: these birds have a unique ability to absorb and hold water inside of their feathers. The chicks can't yet fly the long distance from their nests to the watering hole, so adult males make the long journey with the lifesaving water secreted away in their feathers. But how do their feathers hold water so efficiently? Dr. Lorna Gibson, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, has found the answer. Join Dr. Gibson for a lecture to learn about these fascinating birds and the science behind them.
This lecture will be offered both on site and virtually.
Click here to register for the on-site lecture.
Click here to register for the virtual livestream.
Accessibility: The lecture hall is wheelchair accessible. Please contact [email protected] to request an ASL interpreter or other accommodations.
Cancellations: This program will go on in the event of inclement weather, unless conditions are bad enough that travel will be unsafe for the speaker and participants. Participants will be notified via email if the program needs to be cancelled. To check the status of this program, please call the Visitor Center desk at (617) 384-5209. (Photo credit: SHASHANK)
