Chill out! Museum presenter to show how some animals (and lemurs) survive winter
For immediate release ‐ January 26, 2016
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
RALEIGH — Animals that hibernate conserve energy by chilling out; their body temperature plummets to near-freezing levels, heart rate lowers to three to five breaths per minute, and some can go up to 15 minutes without taking a breath. Join Duke University’s Sheena Faherty to find out how these adaptations, which would be deadly to a non-hibernator, allow these mammals to survive harsh winter environments year after year with no ill effects. Her presentation, “Chill Out! Hibernation as a ‘Cool’ Way to Survive the Winter,” takes place at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Thursday, February 4, 7 p.m.
In this presentation, held in conjunction with the Museum’s current featured exhibition, “Extreme Mammals,” Faherty will delve into the extreme physiological changes that an animal must undergo to hibernate, explain why hibernation is so important for over-winter survival, and introduce some surprising species that are providing important clues as to how hibernation is possible — including a tropical lemur species. Faherty is a doctoral candidate finishing her PhD in biology at Duke University and is pursuing a career in science journalism. Faherty is a guest blogger for Scientific American, the Duke Medicine Blog, the Duke Research Blog, and author of the Musings of a Jungle Queen blog. She is also a member of the National Association for Science Writers.
Educators from the Duke Lemur Center will also be on hand from 6 to 7 p.m. to share photos and stories of their resident lemurs, as well as information on their lemur conservation efforts in Madagascar.
“Extreme Mammals” explores the diversity, ancestry and evolution of species ranging from huge to tiny, from speedy to sloth-like. The exhibition features spectacular fossils, vivid reconstructions and life-like models — including a 15-foot-high touchable model of the extinct Indricotherium, the largest known land mammal. This is the fifth in a series of scientific talks that delve into what makes mammals extreme — their biological characteristics, behavior and ability to adapt for survival. Remaining presentations include:
Thursday, March 3
“Africa’s Greatest Killer? Understanding Human-Hippopotamus Conflict”
Dr. Corinne Kendall, Assistant Curator of Conservation and Research, NC Zoo
Tickets: $10 per lecture. Add an exhibition ticket to your order and receive $5 off admission. Friends of the Museum members receive free admission to the exhibition. Tickets are available online (naturalsciences.org/extreme) or at the Museum Box Office (919.707.9950).
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (11 W. Jones St. and 121 W. Jones St.) in downtown Raleigh is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world, drawing them into the intriguing fields of study that are critical to the future of North Carolina. Hours: Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Visit the Museum online at www.naturalsciences.org. Emlyn Koster, PhD, Museum Director; Susan Kluttz, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Pat McCrory, Governor.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development. NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.