This fall marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. To commemorate Darwin’s scientific contributions, the
museum has partnered with other University of Oklahoma departments and programs to offer classroom seminars on Darwin, his research and his legacy.
These small group seminars focus on a variety of topics related to evolution. Participants pre-register and are provided with selected readings that will be the foundation for the evening’s discussion. The seminars are intended for interested adults, but no prior knowledge of the discussion topic is necessary. Participants register for each seminar separately.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call (405) 325-4712.
Cost: $10 per seminar members, $15 per seminar non-members
All seminars are held on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in one of the museum’s education classrooms.
“Race and Genetics in Health”
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Dr. Cecil Lewis (Department of Anthropology) Are traditionally identified human “races” biologically meaningful? Are racial classifications useful in genetic disease research? This seminar discussion will address these questions. The practical importance of human evolution studies will be illuminated.
“The Origin of Sexual Selection”
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Dr. Ingo Schlupp (Department of Zoology) Why do males often have elaborate traits that make them attractive for females, but are detrimental to survival? Why are females typically coy and males competitive for females? Charles Darwin proposed the theory of sexual selection as an answer to these questions. In our meeting we shall discuss this idea, its history and some aspects of modern research on this topic.
“Beyond Darwin: How Evo-Devo Research Offers Stunning Confirmation of Darwin’s View of Complexity “
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Dr. Ola Fincke (Department of Zoology) Darwin postulated that complexity evolved via natural selection from less complex parts. Armed with a battery of new genetic tools, researchers are in the process of confirming that Darwin’s view was of complexity was basically correct. In this session we will discuss the radical and surprising insights that “Evo-Devo” research offers for macroevolution.