What Can Birds' Nests Teach Us About Evolution?

Explore the fascinating world of avian architecture in this 50-minute lecture by Dr. Catherine Sheard, presented by the Linnean Society. Delve into the evolutionary significance of bird nests, from their role in protecting eggs and chicks to their impact on avian ecology. Discover how modern computational techniques and new data are challenging long-held hypotheses about nest diversity. Learn about recent research findings on global bird nest diversity and their surprising implications for avian evolutionary history. Examine the future of bird nests in a changing world, including the incorporation of artificial materials. Gain insights from Dr. Sheard's extensive background in studying large-scale evolution, with a focus on how behavioral innovations have shaped today's biodiversity.