| Biography | |
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 Dr. Farzana Khan Perveen Department of Zoology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Pakistan |
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| Title: Lepidoptera | |
| Abstract: The word Lepidoptera comes from the Latin word, equivalent to “lepido-” and from the ancient Greek words “lepis” and “pteron” mean scales and wings, respectively. Therefore, it stands for insects with scaly wings. It is the 2nd largest and diverse order in the class Insecta of Phylum Arthropoda. It is the most widespread and widely recognized insect’s orders in the world. Linnaeus (Karl von Linné, 1707-1778) divides it into 3 groups: 1) butterflies; 2) skippers; 3) micro- and macro-moths. It consists of 126 families and 46 super-families; however, super-family is a taxonomic unit for grouping of genus. Moreover, the genus is taxonomic unit for related species. They can be differentiated base on visible morphological characters, scientific anatomical features and some behavioral ecological qualities. Further, 500,250 species of Lepidoptera are described, with 70,820 species of butterflies and 3,700 species of skippers globally. Furthermore, about 165,000 species of moths, including micro- and macro-moths are found up to now. In the United States of America (USA), ca 11,000 species of moths are found, although, in Pakistan, more than 5,000 species of insects including 400 species of butterflies and moths are reported. In nature, Lepidoptera regard as the symbol of beauty and grace. They are very beautiful creatures of nature. Diversity of colors and patterns on the wings of butterflies has caught the attention of evolutionary biologists. Their bright colors, marvelous shapes and graceful flight give pleasure to everyone. The scales cover their bodies, wings and proboscis. Sometime, they are modified into flattened hairs. Almost all species have some form of membranous wings. Except for a few that have reduced wings or are wingless forms. In several Lepidoptera, a period of suspended development, i.e., diapause is prolonged or extended, last more than a year. They are beneficial and harmful with great aesthetic and commercial values, and are subject for ecological significance. However, they are found in all environments and provide many essential and economically imperative services within terrestrial ecosystem. They act as bio-indicators, nutrients-recycling, pollinators, seed-dispersal and soil-formation. Additionally, they provide the best food-chain for natural-predators. For example, the blue tit, Parus caeruleus Linnaeus, 1758 (Paridae: Parinae) chicks consume 35 billion caterpillars per year in UK alone. Further, a growing pupal-industry rears them for supplying to butterfly houses across the world. Furthermore, the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bombycidae: Bobycinae) has been cultured in order to provide silk. For researchers and scientists, they offer a model structure, precious to cram of biodiversity, conservation, ecology, ethnology, evolution genetics, and systematic. They open doors to establishment of chemical ecology as a scientific discipline for study research. | |
| Biography: Dr Farzana Khan Perveen (Gold medalist) is Founder Chairperson and Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) offered excellent services in the field of Life Sciences have been recognized Internationally and nationally. She was born in Karachi and did her BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Zoology and MSc in Zoology specializes in Entomology (Toxicology) from University of Karachi. She was awarded for Cultural Exchange Scholarship for Nagoya University, Japan for 6.5 years. Firstly, she did 6 months Japanese Language Course. Then she did 2 years MAS in Agricultural Sciences (Agronomy) from Nagoya University, Japan. Finally, she did her PhD course and research works from Nagoya University, Japan and degree awarded from University of Karachi. HEC scholarship was awarded for Post-Doctorate at Aukland University, New Zealand. She has started his professional career as Research Fellow from University of Karachi. She served as Teaching and Research Associate in the Laboratory of Applied Entomology, Nagoya University, Japan. After returning from Japan, she served as Research Fellow and Teaching Associate in University of Karachi. She is Founder Chairperson of Department of Zoology of 3 National Universities: Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Hazara University (HU) and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU). She also served as Controller of Examination in SBBU and visiting Professor in Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. Presently, she is serving as Founder Chairperson and Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, SBBU, KP, Pakistan. As research supervisor, she appears as Zoologist guiding the students in different fields of Zoology including Entomology, Toxicology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Integrated Pest Management, Parasitology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agriculture, Ornithology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Fisheries and Bioengineering. She has great interest in Capacity building of individuals and institutions in teaching and research in Animal Sciences. She has great command in natural resource development through Applied Conservation and Ethnozoology formulating, implementing and evaluating projects. Her many projects have been approved by funding authorities and are in progress. She has published 132 papers, 73 in International, 26 in impact factor journal and 33 National reputable scientific Journals with impact factors, 16 with solo authorship. She is author of 6 chapters and 39 books published abroad and chief editor of 5 books of International reputable Publisher. She is supervised 50 MPhil, 75 MSc, 4 BS and one PhD students in their theses. Gold Medal has been awarded her for obtaining PhD in Toxicology from University of Karachi. She has been presenting her research and delivering lectures in International (America, Japan and London etc) and National conferences, meetings and workshops. Many shields have been awarded her for recognition her academic contribution. She has fellowships of International and National reputable research societies and professional organizations. She is a fellow of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Linnaeus Society of London. She is member of editorial boards of many International and National reputable journals. She is good in computer and modern languages. She is organizer of many International and National seminars/ workshops/ conferences/ symposiums. She is HEC Approved Supervisor for BS/MSc/MS/MPhil and PhD Students. She is awarded Productive Scientist of Pakistan and Research Productivity Award 2010-2016. Her skills and personality traits are effective communication, goal oriented, hardworking, time management and team management. Her interests and hobbies are chess and rubrics cube, currency and stamp collection, beautification and haircutting, cooking and gardening with reading and writing. She can be contacted via e-mail: farzana_san@hotmail.com | |
