Exceptional Animals: Sponges as Oracles of the History of Life June 6, 2011

Sponges, an understudied and mysterious group of animals, represent an ancient point of divergence in the animal lineage, and thus provide a unique glimpse into what animal life must have looked like over 600 million years ago. Malcolm Hill will present recent findings from research on the sponge tree of life as well as work that addresses the ecological and evolutionary significance of sponge symbioses.

The Aquarium has been providing free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers and others since 1972. The Aquarium Lecture Series is presented free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute, which has been providing funding for free public lectures at universities and museums since 1836.

Lectures are free and open to the public. Registration is requested. All programs start at 7 p.m. in the Aquarium's Harborside Learning Lab. Programs last approximately one hour followed by a reception.

Official Website: http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/programs_and_classes/aquarium_lecture_series/index.php