Jimmy Doherty in Darwin’s Garden

Synopsis: In this BBC2 series, farmer and entomologist Jimmy Doherty attempts to recreate the experiments which helped Charles Darwin develop his theory of evolution. Part one, DANGEROUS IDEAS, looks at how Darwin examined the way seeds travel the world on ocean currents, and how he confirmed his ideas about diversity by surveying the meadow next to his home. The results of these experiments gave Darwin the confidence to finally make public his radical ideas on evolution. Part two, The STORM BREAKS, looks at why Darwin attempted to chloroform a Venus fly trap and track the slow movements of climbing plants as well as exploring his work on reproduction and showing how, following the publication of Origin of the Species in 1859, there was a clamour for more information on human evolution. The final programme, OF APES AND MEN, explores the work that Darwin did on human evolution that he made public towards the end of his life. Having established evolutionary principles with plants, Darwin began work on human evolution. His comparisons with his own children revealed much about learning and child development. Finally Darwin was able to conclude than humans had evolved from earlier apes, originating in Africa, a theory confirmed by modern palaeontologists.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of production: 2009
Subjects: Biology; Science
Keywords: Darwin, Charles (1809-1882); evolution; natural selection; zoology

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