Charles Darwin was born a little more than 200 years ago. Nowadays, although his theories have drastically changed the way of observing and studying the world, queues of Darwin's "enemies" are becoming longer and longer. In order to fight this threatening tendency, whose followers have wickedly suggested Darwin's studies should be erased from school programmes, on 2 February the scientific institutions from all over the world will organize special events called "Darwin Days". On this occasion, Darwin's theories will be explained and clarified to avoid misunderstandings, by highlighting how up-to-date his scientific method is. Besides, the results of the research applied to the evolution of species will be shown.
The Foundation Idis-Città della Scienza is taking part to the project too, by organizing its Darwin Day: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February- as well as the following week-end, 12 and 13 - in Città della Scienza, Science Centre, they will go into Darwin's works and life. In particular, Saturday 5, a zoologist will illustrate the dynamics of the evolution in the light of the scientist's theories and of the latest discovery finds.
Visitors will see examples of "evolution in progress", observe how animals and plants react to the change of the environment and adapt to face new challenges. Moreover, they will test to what extent men's impact influences the world.
Sunday 6 we will deal with the connection between Darwin and Naples. Not everyone knows that the English scientist was one of the main supporters of the Neapolitan Stazione Zoologica, and that he helped, several times, to carry out the activities. Back in time, the centre hosted scientists and researchers from all over the world. Saturday 12 - on Darwin Day- and Sunday 13, an expert will talk about courtship in the animal kingdom, using videos and catchy images, and will explain how sexual selection was at the beginning an enigma to Darwin, but in the end it became an important base for his theory.
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