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 Calendar of Events
MAY—Tree of Life
You probably know something of your own genealogy—your family tree. Scientists worldwide are embarking on ambitious studies to trace the genealogy of all living things and construct the “Tree of Life.”
From spiders to birds and dinosaurs, learn how Field Museum scientists are participating in international collaborations to identify relationships between species and document this Tree of Life.
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FEATURED SCIENTIST
 Shannon Hackett, Ph.D.
Zoology Department
Curator and Head, Birds
Since she joined The Field Museum’s zoology department in 1995, Shannon Hackett has studied the systematics and evolution of Neotropical birds using genetics, morphology, and behavior to reconstruct how populations and species evolved. For several years, her research focused on the manakin family, whose brightly colored males are known for their elaborate dances and displays.
Hackett is currently looking for patterns of genetic diversity in populations of tropical birds in Africa, Madagascar, and the Neotropics to relate those patterns to the biogeographic history of an area and contribute to biodiversity conservation plans. Recently, she began directing the Early Bird Project, a cooperative international effort to determine the evolutionary relationships among all major groups of birds.
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
May 8
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Scientists at the Field: Brian Sidlauskas
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. The month of May will focus on tracing the family tree of Earth’s plants and animals.
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May 15
2:30 p.m. |
Lecture: “The Diversity of Birds”
Featured Scientist Dr. Shannon Hackett
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Explore how The Field Museum is helping in “Assembling The Tree of Life”—part of a new initiative from the National Science Foundation. This program is an international effort to describe the genealogical relationships of the Earth’s 1.7 million known species.
Field Museum zoologist Shannon Hackett is the director of Early Bird, the avian portion of the initiative that has its home base here at The Field Museum. She and researchers at seven other institutions are working together to construct the Tree of Life for all birds.
An expert on Neotropical birds, Hackett will show slides and talk about the diversity of birds on Earth; what we know today about their evolutionary relationships; and why this project is so important.
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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
 World of Mammals
Did you know that whales have hoofed ancestors? Or, that you actually have more hairs than a chimpanzee? In the World of Mammals, you’ll meet species of all shapes and sizes and learn some amazing mammal facts.
Visit “Carnivore Corner,” where the relatives of domestic dogs and cats reside. Look up to see the complete skeleton of a black right whale, and listen for the haunting song of the humpback whale.
Learn more about lemurs, a type of primate found only on the island of Madagascar. Discover how to tell the difference between a seal and a sea lion, and get a close-up look at an Indian gray mongoose—a real “Riki-Tiki-Tavi,” the mongoose made famous in Rudyard Kipling’s story.
Permanent Exhibition
 World of Birds
How does a pelican use its pouch? Why do peacocks have such long tails? How do a duck’s feet help it to push through the water? Discover the answers to these and other questions in the fascinating exhibition World of Birds. From the delicate, violet feathers of a New Guinea bird of paradise to the rainbow-colored bill of a South American toucan, you’ll marvel at the beauty and diversity of birds from around the world.
Stand face-to-face with a male emperor penguin from Antarctica, which warms the eggs of his young by balancing them on the tops of his feet. Don’t forget to take a peek through the Museum’s special “audio field glasses,” which allow you to hear the distinctive songs of the birds you see.
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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