Chennai, December 9, 2016: Journalist, author and writer, Charles Mann gave a talk titled “1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created” at MSSRF, based on his book by the same name.
Ms Madhura Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF, gave the welcome address and introduced the speaker, while Mr N Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons, Ltd gave the Chair’s remarks.
In his talk, Mr Mann explained how the ships that Columbus and others travelled in to the American continent contained not just people but also animals, bacteria and viruses among other things. This ‘collision’ changed the course of the evolution of the landmass called Pangea, by bringing together separate ecosystems, and the process is still continuing today, he said. Mr Mann also elaborated about how the introduction of exotic species of plants and animals changed agricultural practices too in various countries.
The talk resulted in an interesting discussion with many questions from the audience. Prof Swaminathan thanked Mr Charles Mann for a scintillating talk and hoped he would deliver a sequel to this lecture when he came next to India.
The talk was attended by staff of MSSRF, scientists, researchers and members of the general public.
Bacteria, Virus In Columbus’ Ships Changed the Course of Agriculture
Journalist, author and writer, Charles Mann gave a talk titled “1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created” at MSSRF, in December 2016, based on his book by the same name.
Ms Madhura Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF, gave the welcome address and introduced the speaker, while Mr N Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons, Ltd gave the Chair’s remarks.
In his talk, Mr Mann explained how the ships that Columbus and others travelled in to the American continent contained not just people but also animals, bacteria and viruses among other things. This ‘collision’ changed the course of the evolution of the landmass called Pangea, by bringing together separate ecosystems, and the process is still continuing today, he said. Mr Mann also elaborated about how the introduction of exotic species of plants and animals changed agricultural practices too in various countries.
The talk resulted in an interesting discussion with many questions from the audience. Prof Swaminathan thanked Mr Charles Mann for a scintillating talk and hoped he would deliver a sequel to this lecture when he came next to India.
The talk was attended by staff of MSSRF, scientists, researchers and members of the general public.