Cutting Edge Lectures in Science
Humans, evolution, and the future of
biodiversity
Dr. Andrew Hendry (Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill
University). Humans are the world’s greatest evolutionary force. We
have achieved this dubious distinction through the many ways in
which we perturb the environment, thereby altering how selection
acts on natural populations. These changes in selection have
precipitated evolutionary changes in populations experiencing
climate change, trophy hunting, commercial fishing, invasive
species, and pollution. In some cases, these evolutionary changes
may be important to the persistence of populations facing
environmental degradation. Humans can also alter the process of
evolutionary diversification itself – we can enhance
diversification by creating new niches for species and we can
reverse diversification by blurring the distinction between
existing niches. For all of these reasons – and more – evolution
will be critical in shaping the future of biodiversity in this
increasingly human-dominated world.
Organized by the Royal Society of Canada and McGill University with
the express purpose of fostering communication between scientists
in different disciplines as well as between scientists and the
public. Cutting Edge Lectures in Science are made possible
through the generous support of Heather Munroe-Blum (McGill
Principal), Richard Levin (Dean of Medicine), Martin Grant (Dean of
Science), Anthony Masi (Provost) and Denis Thérien (Vice-Principal,
Research and International Relations). Lectures are followed by
a vin d'honneur reception. Free, everyone welcome.