Darwin: The "Reluctant Revolutionary"

The Butterflies And Beetles Behind Evolution()  

Victorian-era rosewood cabinet containing butterfly and beetle specimens

November 25, 2009 Alfred Russel Wallace was Darwin's colleague, a globe-trotting naturalist who helped shape the theory of evolution. Thirty years ago, an antique shopper wandered into a modest antique shop in Arlington, Va., looking for Chinese carpets and wound up buying a magnificent rosewood cabinet. It contained Wallace's personal collection of 1,600 butterflies and insects.

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At 150, Darwin's 'Origin' Stirs Even More Debate()  

'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin

November 24, 2009 On Nov. 24, 1859, a book that changed the world first appeared in print. On the Origin of Species proposed a radical new theory about how all life on Earth evolved. In many respects, the book sparks greater controversy today than when it first appeared.

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Since Darwin's Era, Following Science Got Complex()  

Darwin's finches

November 24, 2009 On Nov. 24, 1859, Darwin's On the Origin of Species first appeared in print and had a tremendous impact on society and science alike. Despite having more media access today, science has gotten so complex that it's hard for people to keep up, let alone evaluate the significance behind science stories.

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Krulwich Wonders...

Darwin's Very Bad Day: 'Oops, We Just Ate It!'()  

Darwin's rhea standing on salt flat

February 24, 2009 When young Charles Darwin set out on the Beagle, near the top of his wish list was a rare and coveted bird: the lesser rhea. The bird had been sighted by a French rival — but never caught.

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'Orchids Through Darwin's Eyes'()  

Orchids Through Darwin's Eyes

February 22, 2009 This Orchids. These brilliant, flashy, sensual, and sometimes graphic flowers fascinated Charles Darwin. This year the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has made Darwin's interest in the flowers the theme of their annual orchid exhibition.

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Doubting Darwin: Debate Over The Mind's Evolution()  

An image of a human brain glowing in blue.

February 20, 2009 Evolution doubters have adopted a new focus for their attacks on Darwin's theory: the human brain. They say it's impossible that a grouping of cells could produce something as abstract and complex as consciousness or free will. Brain scientists counter that there's plenty of evidence that the brain causes the mind. But they admit they're not exactly sure how this happens.

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Taking Darwin Personally()  

February 15, 2009 Why do Charles Darwin's ideas generate such strong resistance? Maybe because it hurts people's feelings. But does accepting our place in the animal kingdom make us any less miraculous?

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Students Reconcile Darwin's Theories With Faith()  

February 15, 2009 The state of Kansas has been publicly wrestling with how or whether to teach Darwin's theory of evolution in the public schools. At the University of Kansas, some students are studying biological sciences despite devout Christian faith and a strong belief in the biblical story of creation. They face internal struggles similar to the ones Darwin himself must have felt as he wrestled with his scientific theories about evolution.

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Death Of Child May Have Influenced Darwin's Work()  

A painting of Darwin sitting while his wife plays the piano.

February 12, 2009 Charles Darwin was honest with his devout Christian wife that his scientific investigations led him to doubt the existence of heaven. But he feared that publishing his scientific ideas would hurt her deeply. Only after his daughter Annie's death did this change, biographers say.

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Darwin's Earthworm Experiments Broke New Ground()  

Alun Anderson looks over a field at Darwin's country estate.

February 12, 2009 While Charles Darwin is most remembered for his revolutionary theory of evolution, he also studied earthworms. He proposed the theory that earthworms, then considered pests, actually processed soil, making it more fertile.

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