From fishtanks to evolution: talk for lay audiences on a personal dive into biological discovery

Yesterday, Carmelo had the pleasure of speaking at the “Tea at the Zoology Museum” series, which is a series of talks organized by the Museum of Zoology at the University of Catania and is aimed to lay audiences.

During the talk, he shared his journey from a childhood as an aquarium enthusiast to a researcher working in evolutionary biology. The event, provided a platform for Carmelo to merge his personal experiences with his professional expertise – an unusual perspective, quite distinct from both his research talks and teaching presentations.

Carmelo’s presentation delved into the world of Cichlids and Wrasses, two fish families beloved by aquarium hobbyists and crucial to understanding evolutionary dynamics. He explained how these species are not merely ornamental but also key to unlocking the secrets of species adaptation and diversification. Carmelo also recounted vivid experiences from his fieldwork, such as his 2012 expedition to Nicaragua.

By sharing both personal anecdotes and scientific data, he highlighted the intricate beauty of aquatic life and its role in enhancing our comprehension of evolutionary processes. It was an enlightening session that underscored the complexity of life in water and its influence on our grasp of the evolutionary forces that have crafted the diverse tapestry of life that surrounds us.

The seminar was in Italian language. The images and Youtube video below were shot by Dr. Fabio Viglianisi.