Sex in City Plants, Animals, Fungi, and More
Urban plants and animals use a wide range of systems of reproduction. Some overcome urban reproductive barriers, while others exploit urban reproductive opportunities. Milkweed aphids and dandelions produce offspring without mating. Bridge spiders mate around electric lights. Carolina cranesbill flowers self-fertilize if they fail to attract pollinators. Male European paper wasps attract females by congregating on vantage points, like telephone poles. Silver maples switch from bisexual to female or visa versa from one year to the next depending on local conditions. Dr. Kenneth D. Frank will describe how these and other organisms in Philadelphia adapt to the city. He will showcase urban reproductive diversity as a window into the biodiversity of the world.
Time: 23:30 GMT
