February 8, 2008

The Department of Biology and the College of Science and Mathematics at California State University, Fresno will observe “Darwin Day” on Tuesday, Feb. 12, and Biology Week Feb. 12-15.

Darwin Day honors the 199th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, originator of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.

Biology professor Fred Schreiber will present a free public lecture and discussion titled “Natural Selection: evolution in action in human structure and function” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Room 109 of the Science 2 building. Topics he’ll cover include skin color, the epiglottis, varicose veins, malaria and lactose intolerance.

“Darwin’s theory provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for all of the biological sciences, and remains one of the most momentous intellectual developments in human history,” said Dr. Paul R. Crosbie, associate professor of biology.

“The Department of Biology is committed to accurately representing Darwin’s ideas, and takes great pleasure in this opportunity to emphasize his seminal contribution to science and society,” said Crosbie, campus coordinator of the event.

Hundreds of groups across the United States and the globe will celebrate the date as "Darwin Day" in honor of the discoveries and life of the man who famously described biological evolution via natural selection.

The theory of evolution by natural selection was controversial in Darwin's time but was subsequently fairly rapidly accepted worldwide by both scientists and the public. It does however remain controversial in a few areas, notably the United States.

Recent Gallup polls show that 43 percent of Americans reject the theory of evolution and instead believe that "God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so." And at least four 2008 presidential candidates have said they do not believe the “theory of evolution.”

The Darwin Day Celebration, started with one event in 1995, included more than 850 events worldwide last year.

For further information, contact Crosbie at 278.2074 or pcrosbie@csufresno.edu.