Viruses as sculptors of marine ecosystems
Schedule
Fri, 12 Sep, 2025 at 11:00 am
UTC-07:00Location
2202 Main Mall,, Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia V6T 1Z4 | Vancouver, BC
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Speaker: Curtis Suttle, PhD, CM, FRSCProfessor in the Departments of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science, Microbiology & Immunology, Botany, and the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
Associate Dean, Research, UBC Science
When we think of oceans and aquatic life, we are drawn to the charismatic megafauna, such as whales and fish, and the omnifarious organisms that we might gaze upon in a tide pool. Invisible to us, but critical to the survival of all organisms, is the myriad of microbes that overwhelmingly dominate life, everywhere. A paradigm shift is occurring in our understanding of the role of microbes and microbial processes in the health of marine organisms and ecosystems. By far, the most abundant members of this microbial milieu are viruses. They are the most abundant lifeform on Earth, encompass much of its biodiversity, and are major players in regulating populations and catalyzing global biogeochemical cycles. Without doubt, viruses are critical elements contributing to, and helping maintain, biodiversity and ecosystem function; yet, our knowledge of the viruses populating the virosphere and quantitative information on their ecosystem effects remain scant. Here, Dr. Suttle take a brief stroll through the virosphere, the critical role it plays in marine ecosystems, and its place in the future of oceans and fisheries.
LIVE in AERL Theatre, 2202 Main Mall, UBC Vancouver - or - over ZOOM
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Where is it happening?
2202 Main Mall,, Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia V6T 1Z4Event Location & Nearby Stays:
