This is an archived UW-P news item,
originally posted: 9/2/2009.
Science Night examines truth of evolution Sept. 9
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Science Night series returns Wednesday, Sept. 9, with a program titled "Why Evolution is True." Part of the series' "Darwin 1809-1859-2009" presentations commemorating the bicentennial of Charles Darwin's birth and the sesquicentennial of the publication of "Origin of Species," this program features University of Chicago Professor of Ecology and Evolution Dr. Jerry Coyne.
Based on Dr. Coyne's book of the same name, "Why Evolution is True" presents a clear, easy to understand summary of the evidence supporting Darwinian evolution. This evidence, he said, is drawn from a wide spectrum of scientific inquiry ranging from genetics, anatomy, and molecular biology to paleontology and geology.
"Today (we) are finding species splitting in two, observing natural selection this is changing animals and plants before our eyes, and discovering more and more fossils capturing change in the pastdinosaurs that have sprouted feathers, fish that have grown limbs," Dr. Coyne said. "Evolution does not destroy the beauty of life but enhances it, and clearly confirms that evolution is more than just a theory: it is a facta fact that cannot be doubted by anyone with an open mind."
Dr. Coyne's research focuses on understanding the origin of species, the evolutionary processes that produce discrete groups in nature. Along with his former student H. Allen Orr, Dr. Coyne co-authored the 2004 book "Speciation" and earlier this year he published "Why Evolution is True" (Viking). He is a frequent contributor to "The New Republic," "The Times Literary Supplement," and other popular periodicals.
The Science Night program "Why Evolution is True" with University of Chicago Professor Jerry Coyne 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 and refreshments are served.
For more information, call (262) 595-2074.
Publish date: 9/2/2009
