Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

The little things that run the world: exploring the role of ants, termites and dung beetles in tropical rainforest.

Dr Hannah Griffiths

Tropical rainforests are biodiversity hotspots. They cover less than 12% of the Earth’s ice-free surface but are home to more than two-thirds of all terrestrial species. Yet, they are threatened: the area of forested land is declining; species diversity is being lost, and biotic communities altered. A key question is how will this ongoing decline in biodiversity affect how rainforests function? In this talk, I consider the role of three key insect groups in rainforest ecosystems: dung beetles, ants and termites. In doing so, I will explore how human-driven changes to biological communities can affect tropical ecosystem functioning and could ultimately impact the resilience of these globally important ecosystems.

Dr Hannah Griffiths carried out her PhD in Biological Sciences at Lancaster University and currently works as a Research Associate at the University of Liverpool, where she investigates ants and termites in Bornean Rainforest.

Doors open 7pm. Tickets are free and can be pre-booked in person at City Screen.

Alternatively tickets are available on the night of the event at the City Screen Ticket Desk –- limited to 70 for this event.