Douglas Emlen, Professor of Biology, University of Montana
The animal world is full of “weaponry” that has evolved for particular use by specific species: cats have claws, eagles have talons, porcupines have quills, and even the dogs we keep as pets have respectable sets of teeth. While these weapons may be small in some animals, they are massive in other species, and the same is true of weapons manufactured by humans. Douglas Emlen, author of Animal Weapons: The Evolution of Battle, will discuss the conditions that trigger arms races in both animals and humans and the role that duels play in this process. A journey that begins with biology becomes the story of all weapons, as Emlen discusses beetles and battleships, crabs and the Cold War.
The Evolution Matters Lecture Series is supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit.
Presented in collaboration with the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology.