Black rats, genetics and disease - Prof Steve Donnellan Thurs Nov 12th 630pm

Royal Society Rooms, 630pm, Morgan Thomas Lane (via Kintore Ave) - ALL WELCOME!
Steve has been researching the evolutionary history of mans' greatest pest, the black rat for the past decade. Black rats and humans have shared their recent history as human populations have expanded since the onset of agriculture with dire consequences for regional faunas and human populations. Steve will explore the new and surprising perspectives that his grouped has gained on the genetic diversity of black rats around the globe. In particular this research points to the potential role that black rats play in increasing the threat from emerging diseases.