Recent advances in genomics research are providing insights into the fascinating biology of forest trees. Using information from paleobotany and genome sequencing of the model tree Populus, Andrew Groover, Geneticist and Director of the Institute of Forest Genetics of the US Forest Service, will explain the evolution of trees, including their origins and the processes underlying speciation. He will show how trees make wood at the molecular genetic level. Then he will use information from population genetics to infer migration of Populus species during past periods of climate change and what forest species’ migrations might look like in the future. The program takes place Monday, May 13 in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum, beginning at 7 pm. Free, but registration requested at www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
