Welcome to the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario
Biodiversity measures the variation of life shaped through ecology and evolution from genes to species and ecosystems. Genetic variation plays a critical role in the ability of individuals and species to respond and adapt to environmental change while the diversity of species within and between ecosystems provides significant advantages to ecosystem function and resilience. One of the ironies of biological research is that after more than 250 years of dedicated biological science, the total number of species within any country or region remains unknown. While we often have a good idea of the identities and ecological roles of the larger, more charismatic animals (birds, mammals) the truth of the matter is that most of life is small (insects, bacteria, fungi) and currently undescribed. Shedding light onto these lesser known groups is important because all of the larger groups, including ourselves, depend on these smaller organisms for some part of their daily natural history. In order to protect and understand the diversity of life in Ontario, we must be able to know the species and ecosystems upon which humans, and our industry and lifestyle, depend.
Departmental News and Events
- Guelph Grads on the Go - Finding Birds of a Feather
September 7, 2011 - Kevin Kerr, a two-time U of G graduate, has become an authority in the lab in using genetics to identify avian species. During a post-doc at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History that ended this past summer, he worked with scientists in the feather identification lab. The bird strike program run there is intended to improve air safety, protecting both people and birds. Read more. - CFI Invests in U of G Research, Innovation
September 1, 2011 - Researchers at the University of Guelph who are striving to find solutions for some of today's pressing global issues - biodiversity conservation, clean water, physical and mental health ailments - have received nearly $700,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The investment will support scientists using DNA barcoding technology to better understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and human impacts on the arctic, tropical and temperate environments. Read more. - Genetic Studies Aimed at Protecting Natural Resources
August 4, 2011 - A forest manager uses a "lab on a chip" to ID insect pests and help head off a devastating infestation. Or fisheries officers employ genetic information to finger an invasive species that threatens native creatures and waters. Helping to restore and protect our natural areas through such scenarios is the ultimate goal of University of Guelph biologists whose DNA barcoding studies have appeared in two high-profile journals this summer. Read more.
