Genetics and Mutations: A source of diversity

Ever wonder where all the diversity we see among living things comes from? The ultimate answer to this question is through mutations. Mutations are random changes in DNA, which can make an organism more or less suitable to survive in its environment. Discoveries in this area have the potential to help us understand many questions about the living world, including how viruses evolve, and what the underlying causes of diseases might be. Join me for a pint of science about how DNA mutations over time have led to species as diverse as fungi, plants and mammals being able to survive.

Manta rays are among the most magnificent yet vulnerable rays in our oceans. Found in tropical waters, they are frequently at the mercy of targeted and bycatch fisheries, resulting in worldwide population declines. Fortunately, they have received an encouraging amount of international protection in recent years. Despite this, significant knowledge gaps remain about fundamental aspects of manta ray biology. In this talk, I will discuss how we are using novel genetic tools to shed light on some of these mysteries and provide context for global conservation management.