The last forum at the International Biogeography Society meeting discussed how biogeographer's might increase public outreach. Unfortunately little attention was given to what I feel is one of the most effective mechanisms, blogging. The forum really discussed more traditional processes such as press releases, museum exhibits, and popular science writing.
So to my other SB'lings and to you, I propose a challenge. First, can you without a
Google search define what the field of biogeography is. Second, as a voice for our audience, what do you think is the most effective mechanism for outreach.
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It's phylogeography without the molecular markers.
It's a map of the United States I have hanging in my bathroom, with a map pin stuck into each city in which I've lived?
Um...outreach might involve walking around and pricking other people with map pins?
Seriously, I want to know what biogeography is.
Here's define: biogeography. Which reminds me, I still have to pass this exam. Sigh.
As a side note, I didn't find any emails from the authors to post this. It may take a while to load.
Katherine,
You have to wait for it, although your first comment isn't far off
It's ecology (the study of species distributions in space and time) on a global scale.
The most effective outreach mechanism? An invasive species like the snakehead fish or the killer bee.
biogeography - the patterns of the geographic distribution of biodiversity - where organisms are, where they ain't, and who lives with (or without) whom
I think you are right about using the blogosphere for public outreach - the internet is by far the manner in which most of us now go looking for infomation - print is quickly taking a backseat (already did?)