Biologist Rosemary Grant: 'Evolution happens much quicker than Darwin thought'
Biologist Rosemary Grant and husband Peter's research on Galápagos finches showed real-time evolution by natural selection. Their memoir reflects on scientific collaboration, unexpected speciation, and conservation importance.
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Biologist Rosemary Grant, along with her husband Peter, conducted groundbreaking research on Galápagos Islands finches, demonstrating that evolution by natural selection can be observed in real time. Their work involved tracking thousands of finches over 40 years, leading to new insights into the speed of evolution. Grant's new memoir, "One Step Sideways, Three Steps Forward," reflects on their journey and the joy of scientific collaboration. The couple's research on the Galápagos finches revealed unexpected speciation processes, challenging Darwin's original theories. Their work emphasizes the importance of preserving diverse species populations to allow for natural genetic variation and adaptation. Grant also shares advice on balancing professional life with parenting, highlighting the value of diverse experiences and quality time with children. The Grants' dedication to studying finches on the Galápagos Islands has provided valuable insights into evolutionary processes and the conservation of species diversity.
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8 comments(And then, for a few dog breeds: "I'm so sorry, we have much to answer for.")
Regardless. What's the point of the article. We have known for decades that evolution 'can' happen much quicker than darwin thought. From large animals to bacteria. Not only that we know that 'lamarckian' epigentics exists.
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