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Darwin to DNA

Darwin's Great Pampa Finch
Source: Museum Victoria

Explore the processes and mechanisms of evolution.

Darwin to DNA covers three different themes: the historical background on the discovery of evolution; the underlying genetic mechanisms required for evolution to occur; and how our understanding of the evolution of ourselves and other organisms has changed through the study of DNA.

Historical showcase displays highlight the roles of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in developing the theory of evolution. Specimens collected by Wallace and Darwin, as well as Gould lithographs, are displayed here.

The genetic mechanisms of evolution are highlighted. DNA is explained as the mechanism for evolutionary change, through natural selection and genetic drift. Co-evolution between plants and their animal pollinators, as well as sexual selection in birds of paradise, are examples used to illustrate the processes of evolution.

Darwin to DNA also highlights how DNA can be used as a tool to examine questions about evolution, and the relationships between species. Possums, birds and fish, as well as humans, are given as examples of how studying DNA variation can bring about new insights into evolutionary relationships. In our own species, DNA evidence challenges previous notions of the uniqueness of humans and the concept of race.

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