Thursday, February 11, 2027
– Joan Strassmann
What is that bird doing? Whether they are foraging in flocks on a beach, warning of approaching predators, or caring for their young, something is always happening. And it is likely to be social. Though many interactions seem cooperative, self-interest has a large role in avian sociality, from the selfish herd to parents reserving time to explore other mating opportunities. These and many other stories are told in Joan Strassmann’s latest book, The Social Lives of Birds: Flocks, Communes, and Families, and will be shared in this presentation.
Joan Strassmann is a professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis where she asks
why diverse organisms sometimes work together and what keeps cheaters from undermining
group life. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences.
why diverse organisms sometimes work together and what keeps cheaters from undermining
group life. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Look for the Zoom link in your email a few days prior to the meeting. The Zoom Room will open at 6:45 PM. Don’t wait until the last minute to sign on, you might be left out!
