— The Miami Herald says happy birthday to Charles Darwin:
Biologists know that Darwin is still relevant. His theories regarding natural selection have been proved right in experiments and by scientists all over the world. For example, he couldn’t figure out why male peacocks had such extravagant tail feathers, which were more hindrance than help in the birds’ lives. He finally concludes that it was a feature used in sexual selection. Male peacocks developed fancy plumage because female peahens were attracted to it. Males that attracted mates could reproduce and thus keep their line going — the survival of the species. This, too, turned out to be provable.
— How about a limerick about Darwin and Sen. Wise?
— Science Educators Talk About Teaching Evolution in Polk County:
Evolution remains a touchy subject long after the publication of Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.” But in Polk County’s public schools, the politics of teaching evolution boils down to one indisputable fact: It’s required.
— The Lakeland Ledger religion editor reflects on Darwin: Time Hasn’t Dulled the Evolution Controversy Darwin Started.
— Balancing Darwin and religion: some teachers face a challenge:
Lakeland, Florida — For 150 years now, the subjects taught inside two buildings on Florida Southern College’s campus have been moving away from each other.
In the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the lesson is that life — in all its astonishing forms — was laid down by God. The planet’s balance was carefully and beautifully crafted.
Ever since Charles Darwin’s “Origin of Species”, the lessons in the Biology Department contend that life is constantly changing — with or without a divine plan. Earth’s balance comes from the ugly fight for survival.
— USF Event Marks Anniversary Of Darwin’s Birth:
The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin will be marked at noon today at the University of South Florida in one of hundreds of events set to observe the day around the world.
