Evolution and Society

Darwin’s theories of evolution are normally associated with the natural world. However, these same theories are being used to understand how our society works. In this topic we explore some of the research that is using Darwin’s theories to understand diverse aspects of society from language to leadership.

Did you know?

Would you sacrifice yourself for 8 cousins? - Statistically your 1st cousins have one eighth of your genetic material – so you could argue that sacrificing yourself to save 8 cousins is in fact saving yourself!

Breadcrumbs

About us

Evolution

Evolutionary theory rests on three central ideas:

  1. 1. Variation
  2. 2. Selection
  3. 3. Inheritance

In biology the genetic variation found in populations gives some individuals a better chance of surviving, reproducing and passing on their genes.

Other disciplines also make use of the theory of evolution. This site aims to explore how Darwin’s theories have impacted not just our understanding of the natural world but medicine, robotics, society and more.

To find out more about Charles Darwin visit Darwin200

Darwin Today

Darwin Today is a joint initiative from the UK’s seven Research Councils under the banner of Research Councils UK. The Research Councils fund diverse research that either aims to understand evolution or that makes use of the theories that Darwin put forward.

This website aims to engage people with a wide range of contemporary research and to develop a dialogue around the science and societal issues of the research.

2009 is Darwin’s 200th anniversary and 150 years since the publication of his most famous work, “On the Origin of Species”. Built on the dialogue generated on this website, the Research Councils will be running country-wide public engagement activities throughout 2009.

The Research Councils

The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget of over £2.8 billion a year. www.rcuk.ac.uk