Outsider Animals with Marlene Zuk and Friends

Why can’t we keep raccoons out of our garbage bins? What can cockroaches teach us about human pregnancy? And are there “good animals” and “bad animals”? University of Minnesota behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk will discuss her new book, Outsider Animals, about animals that live in close proximity to us. She will explore what we can learn from them about intelligence, adaptability, and ourselves. A selection of artwork from the book, by David J. Tuss, will be on display.

Dr. Zuk wants you to know even more about these animals and ways to learn from them! Join us before the talk to meet University of Minnesota researchers who can tell you about some less-seen and under-appreciated animals in our own backyard. Dr. Geoff Miller will share about the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project’s work on coyotes across all levels of urbanization within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area — including near the Bell Museum — with specimens of coyotes, GPS tracking collars, and an interactive map showing how coyotes live their clandestine lives right under our noses. Dr. Emilie Snell-Rood will explain her lab’s research to show what cabbage white butterflies can tell us about living in urban environments, from impacts on behavior to the effects of microplastics and other toxins. And if the weather cooperates, we’ll look for these butterflies on the Bell’s outdoor Learning Landscape!

While you’re here, you can check out the Touch and See Lab — where you can interact with another outsider animal, the cockroach — or visit our latest temporary exhibition, Wonder: Experiences of Nature, Curiosity, and Play.

Schedule

• Doors open at 6 pm.
• From 6–7 pm, participants can visit with special guests, and see the Touch and See Lab and temporary exhibition . The Bell’s Curiosity Shop will be open, and the University of Minnesota Bookstore will be on hand to sell books.
• The lecture will begin at 7 pm and will be followed by conversation, audience Q&A, and book signing.

About the Speaker

Dr. Zuk is a Regents professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences. She has written numerous popular science books. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and recipient of both the Edward O. Wilson Naturalist Award and the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award. Check out her TED Talk “What We Learn From Insects’ Sex Lives.”

Dr. Geoff Miller is a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Minnesota's Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology.

Dr. Emilie Snell-Rood is a professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. Her lab studies urban ecology, restoration for pollinators, and methods of bio-inspired design.

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