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Darwin Today Discussion Topics

A range of materials from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) that explores variation, natural selection, evolution and human impacts on the environment. The materials are suitable for teachers who want to gain a greater understanding of the topics raised.

Evolution and society
* A fare share?
* How do the media present evolution?
* Social evolution - does Darwin have all the answers?
* The language organism
* How leaders emerge in groups
* Complexity science and evolution

Humans affecting other species
This topic explores some of the research that is looking at human impacts on the environment and other species.
* Will climate change drive evolution?
* Evolution in the fast lane
* Variety is the spice of life
* Evolution - how far have we come?
* Habitat loss
* Natural cycles
* Extinction - who's next?
* The Gaia hypothesis
* Do unstable environments create niches for new species to evolve and therefore encourage new diversity?
* Resistance and species

Suggested discussion topics are:
*Can extinction be a good thing?
Do unstable environments create niches for new species to evolve and therefore encourage new diversity?

*Does it matter which species become extinct?
Hawaii, aptly named as the extinction capital of the world, has lost half of its 140 recorded native bird species. But does this really matter? Many would argue yes, as any reduction in genetic diversity is likely to weaken ecosystems and deplete the natural resources available to us. However, a big dilemma facing conservationists is whether people should prioritise their efforts towards protecting certain key species or try to protect all biodiversity on an equal footing.

*How has global warming influenced evolution in the past?
We know that stable environments tend to provide fewer opportunities for new species to emerge. Fossil evidence from past extinctions, show that the disappearance of some species created a niche for new species to flourish.

*Directed evolution
Like natural selection, in which the fittest individuals pass on their genes, so scientists are using artificial selection to direct evolution.

*Evolution of resistance
Often compared to the Cold War arms race, the evolution of competing organisms is a constant struggle for supremacy. Pathogens must constantly adapt to overcome their hosts and hosts must constantly change to resist the onslaught of diseases.
This topic explores how resistance has evolved and is evolving today, what happens when we run out of antibiotics? Will we ever be free from disease?

BBSRC is a part of Research Councils UK (RCUK).

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Subject(s)Science, Biology
Age16-19
Published2000 - 2009
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Direct URLhttps://www.stem.org.uk/rxuhq

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