Sandra Knapp

Join Sandra Knapp, a Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum, and Aishwarya Veerabahu, a fungal ecologist and PhD candidate, as they explore fascinating intersections of science and nature. They discuss the invasive golden oyster mushroom's unexpected rise in U.S. forests and its impact on local ecosystems, emphasizing the threat to native fungal diversity. Sandra shares insights on the evolutionary journey of potatoes and tomatoes, revealing how ancient crossbreeding shaped these beloved staples we enjoy today.

Tune in as Sandra Knapp, a tropical botanist, Nicola Nadeau, an evolutionary biologist, and Steve Jones, a genetics expert, explore the fascinating world of hybrids. They discuss how hybrids can arise naturally or through human intervention, including striking examples like butterflies and orchids. The implications for species classification and biodiversity are profound. They also touch on the alarming decline in wildlife due to environmental factors and the evolving challenges posed by climate change. Discover how hybridization offers new insights for adaptation and survival.