2562 days ago

Fascination Science Public Lecture Special tonight - Through the looking glass: host-parasite coevolution and sex

Joachim from Albany

Short notice: The next lecture in the Fascination Science series is on Tuesday 12th February 7pm-8.30pm (tonight) at Massey University's Auckland campus in the Massey Business School (MBS) Auditorium on in Albany.

Through the looking glass: Host-parasite coevolution and sex.

Why do males exist?

The most common answer is that males are needed for reproduction; but that is not true for many species of both plants and animals. Why, then, is the earth not dominated by clonally reproducing females? Surely cloning is a more efficient way to reproduce.

So why, in general, is there sex? The question has been raised by many prominent evolutionary biologists, including Darwin; but the answer remains elusive.

In this talk, Prof. Curtis Lively (visiting from Indiana University) will present 30-plus years of research on "why sex?”, highlighting the Red Queen Hypothesis, which posits that parasites select against successful clonal lineages, once they become common in the population.

More information on the lecture series: www.massey.ac.nz...

Register for today's lecture (optional): masseyuniversity.cmail19.com...

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.9% Complete
  • 25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.7% Complete
  • 14.4% ... It is complicated
    14.4% Complete
1012 votes
8 hours ago

Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟

While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.

We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?

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Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
  • 85% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
    85% Complete
  • 15% No. This would be impossible in practice.
    15% Complete
20 votes
21 hours ago

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