Calendar of Events

Earth's Living Treasures: Going, Going,...Gone

Extinction  is a consequence of the inability of living species to adapt to ever- changing conditions on our planet. Scientists estimate that over the last 3.5 billion years 95 to 99 percent of all species that once existed have become extinct, many of them perishing in five mass extinction events caused by natural phenomena like asteroid impacts, extreme temperature changes, rising or falling sea levels or widespread volcanic activity. While extinction as a natural ongoing process may be the ultimate fate of all species, the dramatic increases in extinction rates in recent times — a mere geological blink of an eye — can be traced to the activities of a single species: humans. This one-week forum presented by Professor Emeritus of Biology Floyd Sandford will consider how humans are contributing to the impoverishment of earth’s biodiversity in a human-influenced sixth mass extinction. Though life forms from plants to insects to amphibians are being impacted, this forum will focus on the quiet crisis among mammals —the species with which humans have the most in common.

Thursday Forum is held in Kesler Auditorium on the first floor of Hickok Hall. Each weekly session begins with registration and refreshments from 8:45-9:15 AM, followed by the lecture until 11:30 AM. The presentations blend lecture, media such as film and music, and discussion.

Admission to each four-week forum series is $40. Admission to individual lectures and one- and two-week forums is $12 per week. Admission includes the lecture and morning refreshments of coffee, tea and pastries. Payment can be made in person on Thursday mornings by cash or personal check. Credit card payments can be processed by registering online in advance at www.coe.edu/thursday-forum. For more information, visit the Thursday Forum website or call 319.399.8523.

In the event of inclement weather, consult local media outlets to find out if the day’s forum will take place.

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