Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is essential to the current understanding of how living things change over time. It has become established as one of the strongest scientific theories, making Darwin one of the most significant figures in evolutionary biology.
Edinburgh Zoo’s educational facilities are not restricted to evolution – there are many other events and activities available throughout the year. Those generally interested in animal life, conservation and other environmental issues are likely to enjoy the whole Zoo experience.
Edinburgh Zoo’s Darwin200 Events
The Zoo celebrated Darwin200 with several interactive activities, including a Voyage of the Beagle trail, treasure hunt, Galapagos touch table and animal handling sessions. An education officer dressed as Darwin was on hand to answer visitors’ questions about evolution.
Handling sessions with cockroaches were part of the Zoo’s Darwin200 events. The Amateur Entomologists' Society site’s Cockroaches section points out that cockroaches are very hardy, with fossil records suggest that cockroach-like insects were around over 300 million years ago.
The Zoo also brought out an African spurred tortoise (also called the grooved tortoise) for visitors to observe and touch. According to the ARKive website’s page on the African spurred tortoise, they are third biggest tortoises in the world, and are native to southern parts of the Sahara desert.
Edinburgh Zoo’s Living Links To Human Evolution
Living Links is an example of an ongoing commitment to providing education about evolution. The Living Links project is a collaborative effort between the Royal Zoological Society, who own the Zoo, and The University of St Andrews. They study primates, offering insights into human evolution.
The studies include research into two different species of monkey, Capuchin and Squirrel. These species originate from South America, and live in the enclosures, which can be viewed by the public. Living Links is affiliated with the Zoo’s Bundungo trail.
Edinburgh Zoo’s Bundungo Trail
The Bundungo trail is a chimpanzee enclosure that promotes education about evolution and conservation. There is an outdoor area and several rooms mimicking various environmental conditions, allowing for the study of endangered chimpanzees in a habitat similar to that of their natural surroundings.
For more information on visiting the Zoo, including details of rates and accessibility, visit their website. For details regarding the Living Links project, visit the Living Links site.
Sources
About the Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo website, accessed: 20th February 2009, no author specified.
Budongo Trail, Edinburgh Zoo website, accessed: 20th February 2009, no author specified.
Primates Studied at Living Links, Living Links website, accessed: 20th February 2009, no author specified.
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