“Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” Theodosius Dobzhansky

2009 marks a double anniversary for Charles Darwin. Born 200 years ago, on the 12th February 1809 in Shrewsbury, England, his most famous book, The Origin of Species, was published 150 years ago this year, on the 24th November 1859. To mark the occasion, we have a number of exhibitions at the Gardens, and a series of talks that will take place in the Visitor Centre. An exhibit of “Darwin’s Study” is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm in the Herbarium and Library Building. A display of posters on Darwin and his work (below) will be on show in the Visitor Centre until the autumn.

Natural Selection

Charles Darwin’s fame stems from his insight into the mechanism of Evolution, which he was able to explain through his theory of Natural Selection. No other theory in science has proved so enduring, and it is a remarkable fact that every facet of natural history still confirms Darwin’s original thinking. Darwin published books on a wide range of other subjects, from the geology of coral reefs, human and animal emotions, and a lifetime’s study of earthworms. His scientific experiments were simple but effective proofs of the mechanism of evolution.

Click on the thumbnails below to see the posters