The Western Australian Museum’s Harry Butler Lecture Series: In the Wild West will continue at the WA Maritime Museum on September 7 with a celebration of the wonderland that is Western Australia.
Presented by WA Chief Scientist and Harry Butler Lecture Series patron Professor Lyn Beazley, ‘Western Australia: a Geological and Biological Wonderland’ will highlight the reasons our State is internationally recognised for its diverse natural environment.
“To assist with the prioritisation of global conservation efforts, Oxford University conducted a study in 2000 to identify 25 biodiversity hotspots around the world,
“Due to the region’s array of unique plant and animal species, the South West of Western Australia was acknowledged as one of these hotspots, and the only one in Australia,” Prof Beazley said.
The lecture will explain how Western Australia’s ancient rocks and fossils are helping scientists understand what Earth was like long before dinosaurs roamed.
“The rocky outcrops of stromatolites created by a build-up of blue-green algae at Shark Bay are similar to the life forms found on Earth up to 3.5 billion years ago,
“They offer scientists a unique opportunity to study a living case of the earliest life forms responsible for oxygenating our planet many years ago,” Prof Beazley said.
The presentation will share a number of discoveries from the past year, and discuss the research currently being carried out to conserve threatened species.
Prof Beazley was appointed Chief Scientist of Western Australia in 2006, and reinstated for a second term in January 2012. In 2009 she was named an Officer of the Order of Australia and has served on numerous boards and bodies advising State and Federal Governments including the Australian Research Council and Western Australia’s Low Emissions Energy Development Fund.
Entry to the lecture is by gold coin donation, with bookings essential online at www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest or by calling 9212 3813.
The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. The series showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences.
LECTURE: ‘Western Australia: A Geological and Biological Wonderland’
WHEN: Friday 7 September, 6:00pm
WHERE: Western Australian Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
COST: By gold coin donation
Niki Comparti, Western Australian Museum, 6552 7805, Niki.Comparti@museum.wa.gov.au
