Sex, Lies and Butterflies: An evolutionary biology lecture over drinks! (limited seats, incl. a drink)
Come for a fascinating evening of scientific exploration. Learn how evolution invents new traits with Prof. Antónia Monteiro.
What can a pretty butterfly tell us about how evolution invents something new?
Quite a lot, it turns out.
Evolution and complex traits
Does evolution invent from scratch? Or does it take old biological machinery and repurpose it in surprising new ways?
For Make Room for Wonder, Prof. Antónia Monteiro of NUS Biological Sciences begins with the extraordinary eyespots of butterflies and opens up one of evolutionary biology’s deepest questions: how do complex new traits arise at all?
Her research has shown that butterfly eyespots are involved in both predator avoidance and sexual signalling, and that their evolution appears to have involved the reuse of pre-existing genetic networks already used elsewhere in the body.
Why come even if you have NO biology background?
Because evolution is not just the story of ancient fossils. It is the process that produced the extraordinary variety of bodies, colours, behaviours and adaptations we see around us — including, us!
Start with a butterfly wing. Leave wondering how nature builds novelty from what already exists.
We’re looking for the genuinely curious and open-minded. We keep the room intimate so people can listen closely, ask thoughtful questions and continue the conversation afterwards.
Come after work. Make it a date. Bring the friend you always end up having strange conversations with. Or come alone. Just come curious.
Register Now for an evening of learning over drinks:
6:45 pm — Arrive, get a drink, settle in
7:00 pm — Welcome
7:10 pm — Prof. Monteiro: Sex, Lies and Butterflies
7:50 pm — Moderated audience Q&A
8:10 pm onward — Drinks, conversation and rabbit holes
8:30 pm — Formal close
Come curious. Leave with wonder.