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 Calendar of Events
MARCH—Asian Biodiversity
Did you know that 25 percent of our medicines come from wild plants, fungi, and animals? Many economically important species are found in Asia, but are threatened by over-harvesting and hunting.
Examine how Field museum scientists study Asian plants, fungi, and animals to understand how different species are related to one another and to identify issues threatening biodiversity. Together, these researchers develop techniques that protect economically and scientifically valuable species.
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FEATURED SCIENTIST
 Jun Wen, Ph.D.
Botany Department
Curator
An expert on the flowering plants of Asia, Jun Wen studies the genetics and geographical distribution of Asian plants that are economically important and threatened by overexploitation. She is currently focusing on ginseng, used in many Asian countries as a tonic for strengthening those who are weak or ill.
There are some 1,500 species in the ginseng plant family, but some of them are rare or endangered because of their medicinal use in countries such as China, India, Korea, and Vietnam. Wen conducts fieldwork in remote places to search for rare ginseng species. Understanding how plants are distributed in this region will help conservationists decide which areas are in the greatest need of protection.
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
March 13
11a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Scientists at the Field: Steffi Ickert-Bond
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Stanley Field Hall
Meet Field Museum scientists to learn about their research. See rarely displayed specimens form our collections and ask on-the-spot questions. March will focus on Asian plants. |
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Lecture: “Biodiversity of Asian Plants”
Featured Scientist Dr. Jun Wen
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Learn why Dr. Jun Wen, a botanist and expert on Asian plants, studies the evolution and geographical distribution of different species of the ginseng plant family.
Using ginseng as a model for constructing the biogeography of all plants in Asia, Wen is working toward protecting many species from over-harvesting.
Wen will show slides of her plant-collecting expeditions in Asian countries such as Vietnam and India and talk about the major threats to plant biodiversity in Asia.
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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
Mammals of Asia
Discover the rare and unusual animals of southeastern and central Asia, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Learn more about the giant panda, which has an extra “thumb” to help it gather its favorite food: bamboo leaves.
See Asia’s largest predator, the 600-pound Bengal tiger, and discover how snow leopards have adapted to the extreme climate in their mountain homes. Each of the Asian mammals in this exhibition is presented in its own distinctive, lifelike habitat setting, allowing visitors to imagine a typical day in the animal’s life.
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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