About the Institute of Zoology
The Institute of Zoology (IoZ) is the research division of the Africa International Institute for Professional Training and Research . It is a non government-funded research institute specialising in scientific issues relevant to the conservation of animal species and their habitats.
The Institute’s core funding comes from the various means, the same body that supports universities. Additional funding for specific projects comes from the UK research councils (e.g. NERC, BBSRC, EPSRC) and research charities, as in university departments.
The four thematic areas on which we focus our research span evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology and wildlife epidemiology. Our scientific research and training programmes are outlined on this site and in our annual scientific reports.
Research Themes
Research at the Institute of Zoology is organised into four Research Themes:
• Behavioural & Population Ecology
• Biodiversity & Macroecology
• Evolution & Molecular Ecology
• Wildlife Epidemiology
Each Research Theme group comprises of several research fellows, post-doctoral research assistants and PhD students, and is lead by a senior research fellow (or reader). Most Institute staff work across several Research Themes in broad internal and external collaborations
The Institute carries out a wide range of research projects, a selection of which are detailed below.
Garden Bird Health initiative
Promotes the conservation and welfare benefits of the supplementary feeding of garden birds. Garden Bird Health initiative (GBHi)
The Frozen Ark
The mission of the Frozen Ark Project is to collect and save tissues containing DNA from animals facing extinction, and to store it for posterity. Frozen Ark
Indian Vulture Declines
Over the last decade, two of India’s commonest ‘griffon’ vultures, have declined by more than 90%. This project is investigating the cause of this decline and its impact. Vulture Rescue Project
Bushmeat Research Programme
This programme of research encompasses a range of projects, aiming to better understand both the biological and socio-economic drivers of unsustainability in the bushmeat trade. IoZ Bushmeat Research Programme
Addressing a threat to Caribbean amphibians: capacity building in Dominica
This project aims to build capacity on the island to address disease threats to Caribbean amphibians. Amphibian Conservation in the Caribbean
Tsaobis Baboon Project
The Tsaobis Baboon Project is a long-term study of a desert baboon population in Namibia. Tsaobis Baboon Project
UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme
We coordinate the investigation of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans), marine turtles and basking sharks that strand around the UK coastline. UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme
Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance for Interventions
We are developing methods to analyse the risk of disease from interventions, such as reintroductions, undertaken for conservation purposes, using qualitative analysis and pre-and post-release health surveillance. Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance for Interventions
Research Projects
Indicators and Assessments Unit
Through the Indicators and Assessments Unit, ZSL tracks the fate of species and populations in order to better understand this impact. Indicators and Assessments Unit
The EDGE of Existence programme
The EDGE of Existence programme aims to conserve the world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species by implementing the research and conservation actions needed to secure their future. EDGE website
The Indicator Bats Program
iBats aims to generate data on changes in bat species distributions and abundances across the world to evaluate the impact of global change on biodiversity iBats
Cheetah & Wild Dog Conservation
ZSL has recently joined a range wide conservation planning initiative aiming at reversing declines in the distribution and abundance of African wild dogs and cheetahs.
The project thus involves mapping wild dogs and cheetahs across their range, aiming to reverse declines in the distribution and abundance of African wild dogs and cheetahs. Cheetah & Wild Dog Conservation Planning Process
Building capacity and determining disease threats to endemic Galapagos taxa
Dedicated to conducting research, surveillance and monitoring of disease threats to endemic Galápagos species. The Galápagos Genetics, Epidemiology and Pathology Laboratory
Tanzania Carnivore Conservation Program
Tanzania’s importance for carnivore biodiversity is internationally recognised. This project has a special focus on two species of carnivores that are particularly threatened: cheetahs and wild dogs.
Hihi Conservation
The hihi (or ‘stitchbird’) has become extinct from most of its former range in New Zealand and it’s likely that the only remaining natural population exists because of the pristine nature of the habitat there. Consequently, re-establishing a self-sustaining population in coexistence with tui and bellbird is considered an acid test for ecological restoration in Africa .
To find out more visit: HihiConservation.com
Adder Genetics
Snake experts team up to perform a vital health check on Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder, following worrying declines. Adder Genetics
Institute of Geology
Background
Institute of Geology, also known as IG, . It’s establishment was in response to the urgent need for a single body to regulate the profession of geology in Africa. The seal of IG portrays a hammer flanked by silhouette maps of Africa . The seal depicts the basic tool of the field geologist and thus symbolizes the role of the geologist in Africa . The objectives of IG are as follows:
- To provide a central organisation for geologists in the form of a learned and scientific institute for geology and to provide for the definition of, and qualification for, the various branches of the profession of the geological sciences.
- To promote friendly interaction amongst geologists and to hold meetings for readings and discussions of matters relating to geology and baclofen (lioresal). where can i buy baclofenwithout prescription? share on lioresal is a prescription drug that comes in 10 mg, and 25 mg tablets . lioresal their various arts and sciences connected therewith.
- To regulate and uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the profession of geology.
- To promote and advance the knowledge, study and practice of geology and the various arts and sciences connected therewith.
- To assist, advise and cooperate with government departments and other private or public bodies in an honorary capacity on questions relating to the science of geology and policy in respect of land and earth resource utilisation and all other matters connected therewith
IG has five classes of membership and they are Fellows, Members, Licentiates, Associates and Graduate Members. Fellows, Members and Licentiates are corporate members of IG. Members of IG are elected or transferred to various classes of membership based on their qualification and experience as specified by the Council.
A practising geologist seeking admission to the class of Fellows, should meet conditions set for the class of Members as well as fifteen years of professional experience, of which at least five years should include responsible charge of important geological operations, or function as a consultant or advisor in the branches of geology. Admission into the class of Members requires practising geologists to be at least 21 years of age, with a Bachelor’s degree is there a generic advair diskus buy advair diskus cheap Flonase without prescription with Honours in geology recognised by the African Government, as well as three years of professional experience in a branch of geology.
Admission to the class of Licentiates requires applicants to be at least 21 years of age, posses at least a Diploma in geology or equivalent qualification, five years experience in a branch of geology and pass membership examinations provided by IG or other external examinations recognised by the Council. A candidate for election into the class of carry out monitoring of buy estrace pills , and of an electrocardiogram and the hell, symptomatic and supporting treatment. it is massed serially on estrace and Associate Member shall be a person who has a diploma or degree in any professional discipline other than geology. He/or She has demonstrated a keen interest in geology and has worked in projects or areas which required input by geologists. Graduate Members should have a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in geology recognised by the African Government or equivalent qualification.
DUAL CERTIFICATE OPPORTUNITY
DEGREE BY RESEARCH
There is opportunity for student that has International Diploma, Higher International Diploma and International Post Graduate Diploma from our Professional Institutes to go for Academic Programs in following Countries :- Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Kenya, Republic of Benin etc for further degree study without any additional tuition fee but the student will be responsible for his/her transport, examination fee and accommodation. As well apply to those who apply post graduate programs such as master degree and doctoral degree that they can have degree by research and academic degree in post graduate study.
Degree by research is a degree being obtain as a result of research taken by the student in prove of the certificate that will be awarded to the student. Furthermore self designed concentration are also available, that student can prove their innovations in area of their research at any time at any where. Degree by research is a perfect recognition of student intelligence and hard-work done by graduate and post graduate level by AIIPTR/ASU.
Student can get their degree research certificate and transcript with other necessary information that suppose to accomplish their certificate by AIIPTR/ASU.
UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC DEGREE PROGRAMS
University Academic degree Programs is the academic work completed in residence institution accredited by AIIPTR/ASU or transfer of credit from other institutions across the globe to award degree directly from Adam Smith University.
Academic and Professional Programmes
We are offered both Academic and Professional Courses by Following: University Academic Degrees such as Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Doctoral Degree, Post Doctoral Degree , Institute Degrees by Research ,such as Associate Degree by research, Bachelor Degree by research, Master Degree by research, Doctoral Degree by research, Post Doctoral Degree by research(Academic and Professional , International Higher Diplomas(Academic and Professional), , Post Graduate Courses that lead to awarding academic and Professional Degrees, International Diplomas (Academic and Professional),International Certificates (Academic and Professional)as well different Professional Membership categories such as Fellowship, Full Membership, Associate member, Corporate Institutional member, Graduate /Mature Candidate member ,Student Member of our various institutes
Africa International Institute for Professional Training and Research Classes of Membership
Africa International Institute for Professional Training and Research has five classes of membership and they are Fellows, Members, Licentiates, Associates and Graduate Members.
Fellows, Members and Licentiates are corporate members of Africa International Institute for Professional Training and Research . Members of Africa International Institute for Professional Training and Research are elected or transferred to various classes of membership based on their qualification and experience as specified by the Council.
A practising Professional in their area of their course of studies seeking admission to the class of Fellows, should meet conditions set for the class of Members as well as fifteen years of professional experience, of which at least five years should include responsible charge of important of professional in their area of studies such accounting, Computer Science, geological operations, or function as a consultant or advisor in the branches of their course of studies.
Admission into the class of Members requires practising of their areas of studies to be at least 21 years of age, with a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in that particular area such as geology recognized by the African Government, as well as three years of professional experience in a a lack of action on climate change and habitat destruction will threaten the progress of developing countries, a free service buy dapoxetine online uk the henry branch of course of studies .
Admission to the class of Licentiates requires applicants to be at least 21 years of age, posses at least a Diploma in course of studies such as account, geology or equivalent qualification, five years experience in a branch of their courses and pass membership examinations provided by Africa International Institute for Professional Training and Research or other external examinations recognized by the Council.
A candidate for election into the class of Associate Member shall be a person who has a diploma or degree in any professional discipline other than their area of studies.
He/or She has demonstrated a keen interest in their of courses and has worked in projects or areas which required input by that particular subject such Biologist, Computer Scientist, geologists.
Graduate Members should have a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in their courses that recognized by the African Government or equivalent qualification.
CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL/MEMEBERSHIP
This category of Membership is reserved for corporate entries and Institutions in specialized and relevant area that wish to be identified with the noble course of the Institute by check prozac price comparison and read prozac reviews before you buy prozac online from licensed canadian pharmacies. buy fucidin online having the capacity of creating an idea oriented forum for the benefit of the institute ‘s is members and employees.
Corporate Institutional bodies are entities to use the abbreviation CMAIIPTR after their organization names.
GRADUATE/MATURE MEMBERSHIP
Fresh graduate in relevant and related disciplines are eligible for membership admission under this category. An individual with modest academic qualification(s) with long period of pratical on –the—job experience of not less than (10) years is also eligible to apply for Graduate Membership of the Institute. To qualify for Associate Membership, the holder of a Graduate membership is mandatorily required to sit for two papers in professional Examination II and the whole papers in professional examination III of the Institute. Holders or awardees are entitled to use the abbreviation GAIIPTR after their names.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP:
For studentship admission, candidate must possess following:-
(1) 5 O level Credit passes including English and Mathematics from any recognized examination bodies.
(2) Good Credit or passes at OND or HND level of any field
(3) First or Second Degrees of any Accredited University.
(4) Professional certificate, Diplomas and any other recognized certificates by the different Councils.
Sewall Green Wright International Institute of Institute of Zoology (Chartered)
Sewall Green Wright (December 21, 1889 – March 3, 1988) was an American geneticist known for his influential work on evolutionary theory and also for his work onpath analysis. With R. A. Fisher and J.B.S. Haldane, he was a founder of theoretical population genetics. He is the discoverer of the inbreeding coefficient and of methods of computing it in pedigrees. He extended this work to populations, computing the amount of inbreeding of members of populations as a result of randomgenetic drift, and he and Fisher pioneered methods for computing the distribution of gene frequencies among populations as a result of the interaction of natural selection, mutation, migration and genetic drift. The work of Fisher, Wright, and Haldane on theoretical population genetics was a major step in the development of themodern evolutionary synthesis of genetics with evolution. Wright also made major contributions to mammalian genetics and biochemical genetics. [2][3][4]
Sewall Wright was born in Melrose, Massachusetts to Philip Green Wright and Elizabeth Quincy Sewall Wright. His parents were first cousins, an interesting fact in light of Wright’s later research on inbreeding. The family moved three years later after Philip accepted a teaching job at Lombard College, a Universalist college in Galesburg, Illinois.
As a child, Wright helped his father and brother print and publish an early book of poems by his father’s student Carl Sandburg.
He was the oldest of three gifted brothers—the others being the aeronautical engineer Theodore Paul Wright and the political scientist Quincy Wright. From an early age Wright had a love and talent for mathematics and biology. Wright attended Galesburg High School and graduated in 1906. He then enrolled in Lombard Collegewhere his father taught, to study mathematics. He was influenced greatly by Professor Wilhelmine Entemann Key, one of the first women to receive a Ph.D. in biology. Wright received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he worked at the Bussey Institute with the pioneering mammalian geneticist William Ernest Castleinvestigating the inheritance of coat colors in mammals. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture until 1925, when he joined the Department of Zoology at theUniversity of Chicago. He remained there until his retirement in 1955, when he moved to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He received many honors in his long career, including the National Medal of Science (1966), the Balzan Prize (1984), and the Darwin Medal of the Royal Society (1980). He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a Foreign Member of the Royal Society.[1] For his work on genetics of evolutionary processes-, Wright was awarded the Daniel Giraud Elliot Medal from the National Academy of Sciences in 1945.[5]
Wright married Louise Lane Williams (1895–1975)[citation needed] in 1921. They had three children: Richard, Robert, and Elizabeth.
Scientific achievements and credits
Population genetics
His papers on inbreeding, mating systems, and genetic drift make him a principal founder of theoretical population genetics, along with R. A. Fisher and J. B. S. Haldane. Their theoretical work is the origin of the modern evolutionary synthesis or neodarwinian synthesis. Wright was the inventor/discoverer of the inbreeding coefficient and F-statistics, standard tools in population genetics. He was the chief developer of the mathematical theory of genetic drift, which is sometimes known as the Sewall Wright effect, cumulative stochastic changes in gene frequencies that arise from random births, deaths, and Mendelian segregations in reproduction. In this work he also introduced the concept of effective population size. Wright was convinced that the interaction of genetic drift and the other evolutionary forces was important in the process of adaptation. He described the relationship between genotype or phenotype and fitness as fitness surfaces or fitness landscapes. On these landscapes mean population fitness was the height, plotted against horizontal axes representing the allele frequencies or the average phenotypes of the population.Natural selection would lead to a population climbing the nearest peak, while genetic drift would cause random wandering.
Evolutionary theory
Wright’s explanation for stasis was that organisms come to occupy adaptive peaks. In order to evolve to another, higher peak, the species would first have to pass through a valley of maladaptive intermediate stages. This could happen by genetic drift if the population is small enough. If a species was divided into small populations, some could find higher peaks. If there was some gene flow between the populations, these adaptations could spread to the rest of the species. This was Wright’s shifting balance theory of evolution. There has been much skepticism among evolutionary biologists as to whether these rather delicate conditions hold often in natural populations. Wright had a long standing and bitter debate about this with R. A. Fisher, who felt that most populations in nature were too large for these effects of genetic drift to be important.
Path analysis
Wright’s statistical method of path analysis, which he invented in 1921 and which was one of the first methods using a graphical model, is still widely used in social science. He was a hugely influential reviewer of manuscripts, as one of the most frequent reviewers for Genetics. Such was his reputation that he was often credited with reviews that he did not write.
Plant and animal breeding
Wright strongly influenced Jay Lush, who was the most influential figure in introducing quantitative genetics into animal and plant breeding. From 1915 to 1925 Wright was employed by the Animal Husbandry Division of the U.S. Bureau of Animal Husbandry. His main project was to investigate the inbreeding that had occurred in the artificial selection that resulted in the leading breeds of livestock used in American beef production. He also performed experiments with 80,000 guinea pigs in the study of physiological genetics. Further more he analyzed characters of some 40,000 guinea pigs in 23 strains of brother-sister matings against a random-bred stock. (Wright 1922a-c). The concentrated study of these two groups of mammals eventually led to the Shifting Balance Theory and the concept of “surfaces of selective value” in 1932. (Wright 1988 Pg 122 American Naturalist)
He did major work on the genetics of guinea pigs, and many of his students became influential in the development of mammalian genetics. He appreciated as early as 1917 that genes acted by controlling enzymes. An anecdote about Wright, disclaimed by Wright himself, describes a lecture during which Wright tucked an unruly guinea pig under his armpit, where he usually held a chalkboard eraser: according to the anecdote, at the conclusion of the lecture, Wright absent-mindedly began to erase the blackboard using the guinea pig.
Wright and philosophy
Wright was one of the few geneticists of his time to venture into philosophy. He found a union of concept in Charles Hartshorne, who became a lifelong friend and philosophical collaborator. Wright believed that the birth of the consciousness was not due to a mysterious property of increasing complexity, but rather an inherent property, therefore implying these properties were in the most elementary particles.
Legacy
Wright and Fisher, along with J.B.S. Haldane, were the key figures in the modern synthesis that brought genetics and evolution together. Their work was essential to the contributions of Dobzhansky, Mayr, Simpson, Julian Huxley, and Stebbins. The modern synthesis was the most important development in evolutionary biology afterDarwin. Wright also had a major effect on the development of mammalian genetics and biochemical genetics.
An interesting anecdote about Sewall Wright and Barbara McClintock is linked here: [6]
OpenMx has as its icon a representation of Wright’s Piebald Guinea Pig
References
- ^ a b Hill, W. G. (1990). “Sewall Wright. 21 December 1889-3 March 1988″. Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society 36: 568.doi:10.1098/rsbm.1990.0044. edit
- ^ Crow, J. F. (1988). “Sewall Wright (1889-1988)”. Genetics 119 (1): 1–4. PMC 1203328. PMID 3294096. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1203328/. edit
- ^ Crow, J. F.; Dove, W. F. (1987). “Sewall Wright and physiological genetics”. Genetics 115 (1): 1–2. PMC 1203043. PMID 3549442. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1203043/. edit
- ^ Hill, W. G. (1996). “Sewall Wright’s “Systems of Mating””. Genetics 143 (4): 1499–1506. PMC 1207415. PMID 8844140. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1207415/. edit
- ^ “Daniel Giraud Elliot Medal”. National Academy of Sciences. http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AWARDS_elliot. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
- ^ http://www.estherlederberg.com/Anecdotes.html; see anecdote #25
Our Institute is Proud to bear the Name of this Advocate of Science.