darwin, charles

A biography of English naturalist Charles Darwin that provides an account of the personality behind evolutionary theory and the affect of his work on his personal life, such as his relationship with his religious wife.

In 1862, naturalist Charles Darwin received a box of orchids, including the Madagascar star orchid. It had an 11.5 inch nectary, the place where flowers make the nectar that insects and birds eat. He determined that the only way this flower was pollinated was by a giant moth with an 11.5 inch proboscis. A moth with a long proboscis was cataloged on Madagascar in 1903, but it took almost ninety years to prove Darwin's theory. Includes information on the Madagascar hawk moth, the Madagascar star orchid, and pollination.

Examines Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and discusses supporting theories, opposition from clergy, legal cases related to evolution, and more.

"How long does it take for science to find an answer to a problem? On January 25, 1862, naturalist Charles Darwin received a box of orchids. One flower, the Madagascar star orchid, fascinated him. It had an 11.5" nectary, the place where flowers make nectar, the sweet liquid that insects and birds eat. How, he wondered, did insects pollinate the orchid? It took 130 years to find the answer. After experiments, he made a prediction. There must be a giant moth with a 11.5" proboscis, a straw-like tongue. Darwin died without ever seeing the moth, which was catalogued by entomologists in 1903. But still no one had actually observed the moth pollinating the orchid. In 1992, German entomologist, Lutz Thilo Wasserthal, Ph.D. traveled to Madagascar. By then, the moths were rare. He managed to capture two moths and released them in a cage with the orchid. He captured the first photo of the moth pollinating the flower, as Darwin had predicted 130 years before"--Provided by the publisher.

Introduces children to the life of Charles Darwin, describing how his innovative theories on evolution changed how people view the world.

Beginning with Darwin's revolutionary theory, this seven-part series explores all facets of evolution--the changes that spawned the tree of life, the power of sex, how evolution continues to affect us every day, and the perceived conflict between science and religion.

"'Darwin and the True Story of the Dinosaurs' tells the story of the brilliant naturalist who changed humankind's understanding of its origins"--.

Discusses Darwin's life and scientific work, voyage of the Beagle, the debate about evolution, and his influence on on later thought.

Explores the life and work of Charles Darwin against the backdrop of his roles as husband and father of ten children--three of whom died in childhood. Explores his love of science and the studies he conducted within his own home enlisting the help of his family, friends, and servants as he searched for understanding.

Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species and the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, Evolution Revolution reveals the story behind "the greatest idea in history." Following in the footsteps of What Makes Me Me?, Go Figure!, and Can You Feel the Force?, this book answers questions such as "why do tigers have stripes?" with entertaining text, full-color photographs, and the boldness and innovation that define this groundbreaking series.