The theory that birds are living descendants of large reptilian dinosaurs that roamed the earth in the distant past is to be explored at the next Tauranga Café Scientifique event this month.

Curator of Ornithology at Harvard University, Professor Scott Edwards, is the speaker and his presentation, based on the study of fossilised bones, will examine the theory that birds are descended from dinosaurs.

The archaeopteryx fossil that started the dinosaur-bird discussion.

Edwards is also Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard.

The faculty studies the evolutionary biology of birds and relatives, combining field, museum and genomic approaches to understand the basis of avian diversity, evolution and behavior.

Guiding approaches include population genetics, which provides a quantitative framework for studying speciation, geographic variation and genome evolution.

The event is hosted by the Allan Wilson Centre and will take place on Wednesday, August 19 from 6pm at the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club at Sulphur Point.

Due to the large audience expected, online registrations are required and a gold coin donation will gain admittance. For further information and to register, visit: www.allanwilsoncentre.ac.nz.