Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace

Evolution and Ecology

In this course, Professor Adam Hart (University of Gloucestershire) discusses various topics within evolution and ecology, beginning by (i) introducing the concept of evolution and some of the key players in its inception; (ii) the force of natural selection and how it has shaped the characteristics of individuals in a species over generations; and (iii) in addition understanding the artificial ways in which humans have impacted the make-up of species; before (iv) looking at the species problem and (v) the definition of speciation; and then (vi) understanding and quantifying the terms ecology and biodiversity; before finally (vii) appreciate the deep complexities of conservation.

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace

In the first mini-lecture, Professor Adam Hart (University of Gloucestershire) begins this series of mini-lectures by first discussing the concept of evolution, and how it underpins the work in understanding biology. We consider how even the word ‘evolve’ permeates our vocabulary outside of biology and use this as a reasoning to discuss its fundamental aspects further. We begin by learning about the lives of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, two scientists who had the great fortune of being able to devote their lives to understanding the biological world. We learn about the work they published together in their book ‘On the Origin of Species’ and begin to appreciate its enormous impact it has had on science.