For Immediate Release Contact: Pat Kremer/Nancy O’Shea (312) 665-7100 (For Media Use Only) MAY “Tree of Life” 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. She 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, Hackett began directing the Early Bird Project, a cooperative international effort to determine the evolutionary relationships among all major groups of birds. Early Bird is part of the National Science Foundation’s new initiative “Assembling the Tree of Life” – aimed at describing the genealogical relationships of the earth’s 1.7 million known species. Scientists from eight institutions—five in the United States, one in Scotland, and two in Australia—have joined forces to map out the Tree of Life for all major bird groups. “A tree of life lets you trace the roots of life on Earth and can tell you interesting things about the earth’s history—how the birds evolved relative to geologic and ecologic history,” says Hackett. “Understanding these relationships is essential for studying behaviors, vocalizations and other aspects of bird natural history.” Continue