Westminster Graduate to Talk About Habitat Fragmentation & the Moth

Keith Summerville, a 1995 Westminster College environmental science graduate, will present his research findings at a biology colloquium Thursday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. in Phillips Lecture Hall located in the Hoyt Science Resources Center of Westminster College.

Summerville, who is currently working on his Ph.D. in the Zoology Department at Miami University of Ohio, will speak on "Long-Term Effects of Timber Harvest on Biodiversity: A Case Study in Eastern Deciduous Forests," which focuses on his research on the habitat changes that affect the butterflies and moths of the forest.

"Keith's research demonstrates that fewer species of moths and butterflies are found in habitats that are disturbed by mowing or logging," said Dr. Ann Throckmorton, associate professor and chair of biology at Westminster College. "These activities leave behind small areas of undisturbed vegetation, and the competition is fierce for those who rely on those areas. As a result, many species go extinct or are forced to relocate. This affects not only the plants that they pollinate, but also many species of predators that eat the butterflies and moths."

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Throckmorton at (724) 946-7209 or e-mail athrock@westminster.edu.

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