Rong Ma (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Graduate Program)

"Horns and Thorns: Nature’s Ammunition"

The natural world is filled with weapons. From horns to boiling acid, pincers to neurotoxins, animals (and plants!) have evolved a multitude of weapons with which to wage war. These weapons come in variety of shapes and sizes, and are used in a multitude of different ways and contexts. Yet, they have evolved for a common purpose: they’re useful for securing food, preventing yourself from being food, and, often, reliable with the ladies. At Science Under the Stars this March, come see some of nature’s most awe-inspiring weaponry and find out why they matter.

Science Under the Stars is a free, monthly public outreach lecture series founded and organized by graduate students in the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at Austin. Events are held at 7:00pm outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. In the case of inclement weather, lectures are held indoors.

Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

• 6:15 pm: Snacks, natural history displays, and activities designed for kids of all ages will be available!
• 6:30 pm: Guided tours of BFL will be offered, dependent on weather and light conditions (wear sturdy shoes and bring water)!
• 7:00 pm: Settle in, because the talk begins now!