Science on Tap: AI & Biodiversity

How do scientists keep track of the millions of species that share our planet? Two University of Guelph researchers tackle this question from different angles: one is building AI tools to identify insects from trap samples, the other is using vast libraries of dried plants to trace the history of plant evolution.

Dr. Edeline Gagnon will tell us about one of the most powerful datasets in the world - the roughly 400 million specimens of pressed plants that have been collected and preserved by botanists for centuries. Dr. Gagnon will share how some of these old specimens are helping us answer modern questions about evolution, including examples from her research group that include the evolution of fruit color and fruit traits in the tomato family (Solanaceae), as well various genomic studies.

Every day, traps quietly collect thousands of insects in forests and fields around the world. Sorting and identifying those specimens is a massive bottleneck for biodiversity scientists, and one that AI is well-suited to help solve. Dr. Graham Taylor will describe how his team at the University of Guelph is building tools to automate insect biodiversity monitoring, from the Malaise trap to abundance estimates. Along the way, he'll show how we combine DNA barcoding and photographs to tackle one of the most species-rich and understudied groups of animals on the planet.

Seating is first-come, first-served, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. We will begin shortly after 7 pm, taking a mini break between the two speakers, and then wrap up with our zany and highly competitive trivia! Don't forget that there is extra parking just around the corner at 490 York Road.

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