The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel is continuing with its online lecture series throughout the summer and fall, which is being offered live via Zoom and for free.<\/p>\n
The next one will be:<\/p>\n
\u2013 July 22 at 5:30 p.m.: \u201cCurious Cuttlefish: Understanding Camouflage Through the Chameleon of the Sea\u201d with Columbia University marine biologist and aquarist Connor Gibbons<\/p>\n
Cephalopods are among the most fascinating animals on the planet and hold the title of \u201cWorld\u2019s Most Intelligent Invertebrate.\u201d With three hearts, blue blood and the ability to change color in milliseconds, these animals capture the imagination of all who encounter them.<\/p>\n
One of their most remarkable traits is the ability to camouflage with surroundings, and no cephalopod exemplifies this more than the cuttlefish. Cuttlefish can hide in plain sight or even communicate with others through their sophisticated skin-changing abilities that are controlled directly by their brain. Understanding how cuttlefish can control their camouflage can give insight into the inner workings of the brain and how such a complex brain evolved separately from vertebrates.<\/p>\n
Gibbons is a marine biologist and professional aquarist who studies cephalopods at Columbia University. He manages a cephalopod breeding facility and has worked with thousands of cephalopods over the last decade.<\/p>\n
While the lecture is free, registration in required.<\/p>\n
The remaining ones will include:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Sept. 16: \u201cSolar-Powered Sea Slugs\u201d with University of Tampa Associate Professor of Biology Michael Middlebrooks, Ph.D.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Oct. 14: \u201cPicking Up the Pieces: Tracking Elusive Predators on Mollusks\u201d with Florida Atlantic University Associate Research Professor Matthew Ajemian, Ph.D.<\/p>\n
The series is supported by the Sam and Francis Bailey Clean Water Education Center, Leslie Fleischner, and Joan and Don Sherman.<\/p>\n
To register or for more information, visit https:\/\/shellmuseum.org\/learn-and-experience\/lectures\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.<\/p>\n