Uploaded September 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Darwin thought life evolved like a tree growing, with a single common trunk opening out into a myriad of branches and twigs. But today, says Prof. Ford Doolittle of Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, at the forefront of fundamental research in evolutionary biology for over four decades, it’s clear the situation is more complex.
“For bacteria it may be more appropriate to speak of the Web of Life, because there is rampant exchange of genes across species lines. This web-like evolution is a challenge to neo-Darwinism, and a source of controversy within the discipline and in the public arena.”
He sets out his ideas in conversation.
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Your feedback is much appreciated. Here is a form to send to us.
oisf.org/visitor-feedback-2021
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Featured Music
Samples from “Documentary” and “The Trip Home” from the album “Deltapodus” by Zerøbeat – available on Bandcamp zerobeat2020.bandcamp.com
Reproduced with permission from the artist.
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Donations
All the events in this year’s Festival are free of charge. If you are enjoying our online sessions, please consider supporting the Festival with a donation. Click the link below to donate and we thank you sincerely for your support.
paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=orkneyscience%40gmail.com&item_name=To+help+covering+the+cost+of+this+year's+Orkney+International+Science+Festival¤cy_code=GBP&source=url
__________________________________________________________________________
More Information
For more information about this and other events please visit our website on oisf.org
Darwin thought life evolved like a tree growing, with a single common trunk opening out into a myriad of branches and twigs. But today, says Prof. Ford Doolittle of Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, at the forefront of fundamental research in evolutionary biology for over four decades, it’s clear the situation is more complex.
“For bacteria it may be more appropriate to speak of the Web of Life, because there is rampant exchange of genes across species lines. This web-like evolution is a challenge to neo-Darwinism, and a source of controversy within the discipline and in the public arena.”
He sets out his ideas in conversation.
_________________________________________________________________________
Your feedback is much appreciated. Here is a form to send to us.
oisf.org/visitor-feedback-2021
_________________________________________________________________________
Featured Music
Samples from “Documentary” and “The Trip Home” from the album “Deltapodus” by Zerøbeat – available on Bandcamp zerobeat2020.bandcamp.com
Reproduced with permission from the artist.
________________________________________________________________________
Donations
All the events in this year’s Festival are free of charge. If you are enjoying our online sessions, please consider supporting the Festival with a donation. Click the link below to donate and we thank you sincerely for your support.
paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=orkneyscience%40gmail.com&item_name=To+help+covering+the+cost+of+this+year's+Orkney+International+Science+Festival¤cy_code=GBP&source=url
__________________________________________________________________________
More Information
For more information about this and other events please visit our website on oisf.org
