Blog For Darwin

Pigeon DNA proves Darwin right

The study fills in knowledge about the relationships between breeds, many of which are centuries old with origins in the Middle East. Darwin argued that all domestic pigeon breeds descended from the wild rock dove. Shapiro says this study puts data behind that argument, as all the breeds sequenced are more similar genetically to one another than to another, closely related, species of pigeon, C. rupestris. It also found that street pigeons are genetically similar to racing homing pigeons, which frequently escape into the wild.

via www.nature.com

Sunday is Darwin Day. How Will You Celebrate It? | | AlterNet

Despite the white beard, Charles Darwin isn’t Santa Claus, but like Christmas, Darwin Day comes once a year, and when it comes it brings good cheer. Across the country and around the world, at colleges and universities, schools and libraries, museums and churches, people assemble around February 12 to commemorate the life and work of the British naturalist. But it’s not just about Darwin: it’s about engaging in—and enjoying—public outreach about science, evolution, and the importance of evolution education.

via www.alternet.org

Photo by Tim Green

Darwin on NatGeo

The National Geographic Channel is airing some Darwin-related programming, including Darwin's Secret Notebook and Morphed.

Charles Darwin - a 5 min. video biography

On Joost.com, you can view a very brief video biography on Charles Darwin from the "Need To Know" series.