Charles Darwin's 200th birthday

Scientist Charles Darwin, who came up with the theory of evolution, is being honoured around the UK with a series of events to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth. From a childhood as an avid beetle collector, he went on to become one a heavyweight of the scientific world. A five-year voyage on board The Beagle to the Galapagos Islands helped set in motion a chain of events which led him many years later to come up with his natural selection theory of evolution, described in his book The Origin of Species. His masterpiece, published in 1859, transformed the way science was understood and is viewed as one of the most important texts of the the last 200 years. But Darwin's theory caused uproar by challenging the biblical account of creation - arguing instead that humans evolved from lower species, and is a controversy that continues to rage to this day. His birth on 12 February 1809 is being celebrated at more than 100 venues including zoos, museums, theatres and galleries across the UK. In Bristol, visitors donning real or fake beards will get into the city zoo free of charge in honour of the naturalist's trademark white whiskers which he bore in later life. A birthday party complete with a giant cake is set to be held in the scientist's native Shrewsbury. In London, Canon Nicholas Sagovsky will lay a wreath on Darwin's grave in Westminster Abbey. And at the Natural History Museum, where a famous statue of the scientist overlooks the Central Hall, a tree ceiling installation will be unveiled. A series of talks and films about Darwin's work will also be held in the museum - the scientist's spiritual home. Dr Bob Bloomfield from Darwin200 said: "The fact that so many different organisations and institutions are interested in Darwin's anniversary tells you all you need to know about how important he is. "The great thing about The Origin of Species is how accessible it is to read. There was a huge response to it from a religious and scientific perspective." Lord Rees of Ludlow, from The Charles Darwin Trust's Science Advisory Panel, explained Darwin's enduring appeal and importance. He said: "Charles Darwin's concept of evolution through natural selection is one of the most illuminating scientific ideas of all time for understanding our biosphere and humanity's place in nature. "As an iconic figure, Darwin is matched only by Newton and Einstein - indeed, he has perhaps had a more pervasive influence on human culture than any other scientist." Darwin died on April 19, 1882 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

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ITN | February 12, 2009

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