It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ~ Charles Darwin, naturalist and author of On the Origin of Species (1859).
The Michigan State University Science & Culture museum celebrated Charles Darwin’s 207th birthday this past weekend. The museum was filled with scientists young and old, sharing their research on ornithology (the study of birds), herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles), forestry and much, much more. Seedlings were planted, tarantulas and snakes were on display, and mass quantities of birthday cake were consumed. This is an annual event, so if you missed out, make sure to join us in February 2017.
Facts to Ponder: Charles Darwin married his first cousin Emma Wedgewood in 1839. After his research on self-bred plants, Darwin worried first cousin marriages (like his own) may be subject to genetic defects. Three of Darwin’s ten children died in childhood, and three of his adult children were infertile, despite long marriages. These are all potential consequences of inbreeding.
Museum Bites 