Celebrating science, evolution: Darwin Day

Monday was the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday. Each year on February 12th, Darwin Day celebrations are held around the world, to honor the discovery and intellectual bravery of the father of evolutionary theory, and as an acclamation of reason and the scientific method.

Charles Darwin provided a unifying framework through which we understand all life: organisms evolve by means of natural selection. More organisms are born than can survive, and because of the differences between them, the variants which are more advantageous in the current environment are propagated more successfully into next generations. This is the central idea of Darwin’s book “On the Origin of Species,” which laid the foundation for evolutionary biology.

During his lifetime, Darwin actively worked to promote the understanding of his theory by corresponding with numerous scientists of his era, as well as by commenting on press articles, reviews and satire to provide scientific scrutiny and debunk misunderstandings.

Unfortunately, the theory of evolution is still often not accepted; it is misunderstood, or disregarded in science education.

Check out our favourite “evolution in action” video showing bacteria evolving antibiotic resistance:

Clarify common evolutionary misconceptions thanks to this infographic.<

Evolve a deadly pathogen in the game “Plague Inc,” which is arguably the most fun way to learn about the principles of disease evolution.

Dorota Paczesniak is a biologist interested in diversity on various organization levels and the evolution of reproductive modes; currently researching asexual plants. She is also an enthusiast of creative science communication (e.g. through words, games and art). This blog was originally posted on www.crastina.org.Thank you to Dorota for sharing this blog and the graphics.
Top photo: Portrait of Darwin by Julia Margaret Cameron, 1868