Come for an evening learning how evolution invents new traits with Prof. Antónia Monteiro (Incl. a drink, ltd seats)About this Event
We spend more of our lives than we realise, doing two opposite things: trying to be noticed by the right people, and trying not to attract the wrong kind of attention.
In nature, those stakes can be much higher. Being seen might help you find a mate — or get you eaten.
So what can a butterfly tell us about how evolution solves that problem, and how it invents something new?
Quite a lot.
Does evolution invent from scratch? Or does it repurpose old biological machinery in surprising new ways?
For Make Room for Wonder, Prof. Antónia Monteiro of NUS Biological Sciences begins with butterfly eyespots and opens up a much bigger question: how do complex new traits arise at all?
Her research shows that eyespots can play roles in predator avoidance and sexual signalling, and that their evolution appears to involve the reuse of pre-existing genetic networks.
Why come even if you have NO biology background?
Because evolution is not just the story of ancient fossils. It is the process that produced the extraordinary variety of bodies, colours, behaviours and adaptations around us — including us.
Start with a butterfly wing. Leave wondering how nature builds novelty from what already exists.
We’re looking for the genuinely curious and open-minded. Come after work. Make it a date. Bring the friend you always end up having strange conversations with. Or come alone. Just come curious!
An evening of learning over drinks:
6:45 pm — Settle in, get your free drink. Grab dinner & drinks while you enjoy the lecture. Menu here
7:00 pm — Welcome
7:10 pm — Prof. Monteiro's Lecture: Sex, Lies and Butterflies
7:50 pm — Moderated audience Q&A
8:10 pm onward — Drinks, conversation and rabbit holes
8:30 pm — Formal close
Come curious. Leave with wonder.
Event venue
Monk's Brew Club, 57 East Coast Road, Bedok, Singapore
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