How has our understanding of evolution changed since Darwin published The Origin of Species?
DM: We certainly understand more now about the mechanisms underlying adaptation. Darwin had little understanding of genetics, so for much of the last century, we built the genetic theory for evolution and, to a large extent, natural selection [the passing of beneficial genes to future generations]. Much of that theory remained untested until we developed genetic techniques and DNA technologies. Even though many of his main postulates remain true, we are always advancing. IC: Some people don’t accept Darwin’s views. Why? DM: I think we’ve had a hard time as a society accepting evolution, not understanding evolution. In our education system, most students learn the physical sciences — chemistry, physics, maybe even geology, astronomy and geography — which all reinforce one another because they are based on physical properties. But evolution and ecology can’t be understood from those same properties. I think Darwin, in essence, developed a new science. You can know everything you want abo
