Public Lecture: Signs of a Warming Climate: Is It Later Than We Think? February 3, 2010

Lecture by Philip Myers, U-M Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

When we compare recent surveys of distributions of mammal species in Michigan to historical records from museums, we find that the northern part of this state is literally being overrun by southern invaders. Data from weather stations and other sources reveal a strong and unequivocal pattern of warming over the last century. These two sets of observations come together in ongoing research at U-M’s Biological Station in northern Michigan that explores how the numbers of one of the species of southern invaders, in this case white-footed mice, are affected by winter conditions.

This lecture is co-sponsored by the U-M Program in the Environment and the Exhibit Museum of Natural History as part of the 2009-10 LSA Theme Year, “Meaningful Objects: Museums in the Academy.” Reception follows.

Official Website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum