02 April 2012
Get into the mind of a forgotten ape at Cafe Science Extra - 11th April
Dr Zanna Clay from Emory University in the US will visit Dundee next week to discuss how our primate cousins have contributed to the evolution of human language at the latest Cafe Science Extra event.
Dr Clay in an expert in the behaviour of bonobos, and what this can tell us about our own lives and societies. In her talk, 'Into the mind of the forgotten ape: bonobo behaviour and the evolution of language', she will explore the social lives of that species and how they communicate.
The event takes place at Dundee Science Centre from 6pm on Wednesday, 11th April.
Dr Clay said "Despite being one of our closest living relatives, bonobos are one of the least well understood of the great apes, largely remaining in the shadow of their better known cousins, the chimpanzees.
"For this reason, their contribution to our understanding of human evolution, our behaviour and communication, have largely been ignored but bonobos show a striking range of behaviours that demand more attention. These include enhanced female dominance, reduced aggression, complex communication and the use of sexual interactions to make friends and avoid conflict.
Dr Jon Urch, Public Engagement Co-ordinator at the University of Dundee and the organiser of this event, said, "Dr Clay's work with bonobos has been widely acclaimed, and we will be delighted to welcome her to Dundee to share with us insights from her research."
Cafe Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted over 3000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening in Dundee.
'Into the mind of the forgotten ape...' takes place at Infusions Coffee Shop, Dundee Science Centre - Sensation at 6pm on Wednesday, 11th April. Doors open at 5.30pm, and the event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.
Live tweets from the event will be sent from the @revealsresearch Twitter account, and people can take part in the online discussion using the hashtag #CafeSciDundee.
Further information is available by emailing revealingresearch@dundee.ac.uk or by calling Dr Urch (07812 598394) or Dr Helen-Louise Murphy (07859 323263).
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902 |
