Was Darwin wrong about the origins?

DUBLIN:THIS YEAR marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most celebrated scientists of recent centuries, and 150 years since the publication of the famous The Origin of Species.

But thanks to more recent discoveries, experts argue that Darwin's view is too simplistic. The eminent naturalist wasn't wrong, but his assumption that descent was vertical was too limited, and a new model is emerging of a web of relationships between species.

It shouldn't mar celebrations though, according to the New Scientist: "When it came to gravitation and the laws of motion, Isaac Newton didn't see the whole picture either, but he remains one of science's giants. In the same way, Darwin's ideas will prove influential for decades to come."

Join the celebrations on February 12th, Darwin's birthday, with a free talk at 3pm in the National Botanic Gardens by Dr Matthew Jebb.

At 7.30pm Prof David McConnell will discuss "Darwin, genetics, and the nature of humankind" at Trinity College. See darwinday.org