Charles Darwin
Coverage of Charles Darwin in the Nexus archive.
- Darwin’s Story Isn’t as Simple as It Seems
The article challenges the common belief that Darwin's theory of evolution was directly derived from his study of Galápagos finches, noting he spent only a few weeks there and lacked precise specimen labeling. It also clarifies the Scopes trial originated as a deliberate test case by the ACLU, not a random classroom incident.
- Cacti are evolving shockingly fast and scientists just learned why
Scientists discovered that cacti are evolving rapidly due to changes in flower shape over time, overturning a long-standing idea dating back to Darwin. This finding reveals deserts as dynamic ecosystems where evolution is happening quickly. Cactus species are exploding at lightning speed with over 750 species studied.
- Charles Darwin reports a squirrel surprise
Charles Darwin reports on a squirrel eating cherry blossom flowers. The article discusses the value of drawing art and is part of the Nature archive. The discovery is an unexpected one.
- Saving the Venus fly trap
The Venus fly trap, a carnivorous plant native to the Carolinas, is facing population decline due to habitat loss. Botanist Julie Moore and North Carolina Botanical Garden director Damon Waitt discuss conservation efforts for the species, which Charles Darwin praised as the most interesting plant in the world.