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 Calendar of Events
DECEMBER—Island Biodiversity
Because of their isolation, islands are home to unique species, many of which are endemic—found nowhere else in the world. However, biodiversity on islands is more susceptible to extinction from human activities and natural events, including disease, fire, and population fluctuations.
Explore these “natural laboratories” where Field Museum scientists study factors that threaten the survival of island ecosystems.
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FEATURED SCIENTIST
 Steve Goodman
Zoology Department
Field Biologist, Birds and Mammals
Since he joined The Field Museum in 1989, Field Biologist Steve Goodman has spent most of his time in Madagascar where he lives, conducting biological surveys in the country’s dwindling forests and training local scientists. Goodman has discovered several new species of birds and mammals and is conducting a study of recently deposited animal fossils with Malagasy students to learn how the local wildlife is affected by natural versus human factors.
Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, the island of Madagascar is home to an unparalleled array of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, including the entire primate family of lemurs. But its biodiversity is threatened by habitat destruction as a growing human population practices slash-and-burn agriculture, destroying the forests on which the animals depend.
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
December 5
6 – 8 p.m. |
Family Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Madagascar Fossils
Families with Children Ages 7-12 Years Old
$15, members $12
Registration Required (312) 665-7400
Examine unique fossils from Madagascar, an incredible island that houses plant and animal species unlike those found anywhere else on Earth.
Go behind the scenes at the museum to discover how Madagascar’s geologic record can help us solve the mysteries of this fascinating island. You’ll meet unusual crocodiles, unique birds, and intriguing dinosaurs. |
December 6
2 p.m. |
Lecture: “The Natural Wonders of Madagascar:
Photographs by Harald Schütz”
Featured Scientist Dr. Steve Goodman
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Take a visual tour of Field Museum scientist Steve Goodman’s work in Madagascar, illustrated with slides taken by German photographer Harald Schütz.
Emphasizing the extraordinary uniqueness of this island continent’s flora and fauna, they’ll talk about current efforts underway to document the plants and animals of Madagascar and conserve the remaining forested areas.
Goodman and Schütz will also discuss their new book “The Natural History of Madagascar” (University of Chicago Press). Copies of the book will be available for autographing after the lecture.
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December 13
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Scientists at the Field: Dr. Larry Heaney
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Stanley Field Hall
Check out specimens or unique mammals and learn about Dr. Heaney’s fieldwork in the Philippines, where he has discovered 20 new species of mammals.
Discover why the Philippine islands boast the highest concentration of unique plants and animals in the world; learn what is threatening their survival today; and find out how scientific research by Heaney and his Filipino colleagues is helping to conserve this amazing biodiversity for future generations.
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| 2:30 p.m. |
Lecture: “A World of Islands: Biodiversity and the
Geography of Nature”
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Discover the amazing biodiversity to be found in the small islands of the Philippines. Join Field Museum zoologist Larry Heaney, Curator and Head of Mammals, as he talks about the discovery of new and endangered species. Heaney’s talk will include slides of the unique animals and habitats of the Philippines as well as maps and photos of his expeditions. |
Year-round
Thursday & Fridays
12:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
11:30 a.m.
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Gallery Tour—All Things Living: Explore Biodiversity
All Ages
Free with Museum Admission
Explore fragile ecosystems as you learn about Field Museum scientist’s latest research.
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FEATURED EXHIBITION
The Natural Wonders of Madagascar: Photographs by Harald Shütz
This photographic exhibition provides a new look at the wildlife of Madagascar—an island isolated for so long from mainland Africa that hundreds of animals and plant species call Madagascar their only home.
Wildlife studies by Field Museum scientist Steve Goodman are beautifully captured in color photographs by Harald Schütz. The exhibition also marks the publication of The Natural History of Madagascar, an encyclopedia of the unique flora and fauna of this wondrous island, edited by Steve Goodman and published by University of Chicago Press.
Open December 5, 2003 – July 5, 2004.
This exhibition was created by Harald Schütz in collaboration with The Field Museum. Local support has been provided by the City of Chicago, Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Department of Environment and Commissioner N. Marcia Jimenez.
 Traveling the Pacific
How does a stretch of barren, volcanic lava become a lush, tropical island teeming with life? Explore the vast region of the Pacific islands as you learn about their geology, biodiversity, and cultures.
Learn how non-native species evolved to thrive in an inhospitable environment with poor soil and little fresh water, and marvel at the abundant life on an atoll—an island made of coral where a wide variety of crabs, snails, and starfish make their homes. This is also the home of the living coral reef, where shallow water allows life-sustaining sunlight to penetrate, supporting a more diverse group of plants and animals in the water than on the land above.
Discover how delicate the ecological balance on these tropical havens is, and learn what is being done to protect, preserve, and restore them from the effects of global warming and past nuclear testing.
Permanent Exhibition
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RELATED LINKS
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Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
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