Tales from the underground Public talk by Professor Steven Cooper Professor Steven Cooper is Principal Researcher at the South Australian Museum and an affiliate at the University of Adelaide, where he is a member of the Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, associated with the School of Biological Sciences. Steve will investigate the diversity, evolution and molecular ecology of the Australian fauna.  In particular stygofauna, the subterranean and groundwater invertebrate fauna found in the arid zone of Australia.  …

Brain evolution of fossil fish and the first tetrapods Public talk by Dr Alice Clement from Flinders University Fish gave rise to the first terrestrial vertebrates (tetrapods) some 400 million years ago. This greatest ‘step’ in evolution occurred during a period known as the Devonian. The changes that happened in their bodies over deep geological time can be studied via spectacular fossils, modern scanning techniques and comparison with living species. In doing so, we have uncovered some secrets of early…

  Weeds - how to identify and control them in your garden and native scrub Dr. Chris Preston is Professor of Weed Management at the University of Adelaide. He has a particular interest in understanding and managing herbicide resistant weeds and the ecology, biology and management of emerging weeds in agriculture.   200 metres east of Marion Rd, and 300 metres north of Anzac Highway Entry by donation (minimum of $2). Bookings not required Please bring supper to share, tea/coffee…

Water in the Murray Darling Basin – its relevance and lessons for water management and conservation in Adelaide University of Adelaide Adjunct Professor Wayne Meyer will set the context for considering water amounts, uses and variability. Prof Meyer will discuss the changing governance and management in the Murray Darling Basin and what we should know about water in greater Adelaide in relation to its management and conservation.   200 metres east of Marion Rd, and 300 metres north of Anzac…

A day in the life of a zookeeper The Assistant Curator of natives and primates at Monarto Zoo, Louise Stockbridge, will provide a fascinating insight into behind the scenes of one Australia’s most prestigious zoos.   200 metres east of Marion Rd, and 300 metres north of Anzac Highway Entry by donation (minimum of $2). Bookings not required Please bring supper to share, tea/coffee will be supplied. Meetings should conclude by 8.30pm. At the start of each meeting a ten…

6.30pm BCSA AGM 7.00pm Public Talk - Biological Surveys in Australia and their value to science Dr. Cath Kemper, Curator of Mammals at the South Australian Museum has undertaken vertebrate surveys in outback Australia for the best part of thirty years.  She will talk about and show images of some amazing outback locations and important vertebrate finds.  She will also explain why Museums collect and how these collections not only provide us with important distribution data but are pivotal to…

Maralinga and Emu, a dark chapter in Australia’s history BCSA committee member Jan Forrest OAM will trace the history of the British atomic bomb tests at Emu Field and Maralinga in the 1950s including the clean-up phase and present-day images of the flora and fauna found in this remarkable area of the South Australian landscape.   200 metres east of Marion Rd, and 300 metres north of Anzac Highway Entry by donation (minimum of $2). Bookings not required Please bring…