This is an archived UW-P news item,
originally posted: 2/5/2009.
Science Night probes Darwin & Problems of Biology
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's popular Science Night program continues Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the first in a series of events celebrating the birth and examining the work of Charles Darwin. Titled "Darwin and the Problems of Biology," the program features University of Wisconsin-Parkside Biological Sciences Professor Dr. Gregory Mayer.
Being held the day before the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth (Feb. 12, 1809) and 150 years after his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," was published, Dr. Mayer said this talk examines the work of the man he calls the "Father of Modern Biology."
"Darwin's Theory of Descent provided a unified explanation of the two greatest problems in biology: unity of type--similarities among organisms leading widely different ways of life, and adaptation--similarities among organisms under similar conditions of existence," Mayer said. "What we'll do during this program is ask--and answer--questions like 'What exactly did Darwin propose?' 'How did he come to his conclusions?' 'How were they received?' and 'How on earth did the second son of an English country doctor become one of the most influential and revolutionary figures in history?'"
Dr. Mayer, who teaches evolution, ecology, zoology, and statistics at UW-Parkside, received his master's and Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University. His research and teaching have taken him to Central and South America, throughout the West Indies, and, following in Darwin's own path, to the Galapagos Islands.
During spring semester 2009, UW-Parkside hosts a series of public lectures, an academic course, and an exhibition on Darwin.
Science Night's presentation of "Darwin and the Problems of Biology" with Gregory Mayer begins at 7 p.m. in room 103 of Greenquist Hall. High school and middle school students and faculty with an interest in math and science are encouraged to attend. Admission is free, parking is free after 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are served.
For more information, call (262) 595-2487.Publish date: 2/5/2009
