Darwin's Island, By Steve Jones
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Not the Galapagos, but Britain, where Darwin spent 40 years researching after his global adventure.
Studying hops at his home in Kent, he discovered that the plant's search for a supporting pole depended on "the ability to circle, a sense of touch and the capacity to tell up from down". All plants can sense gravity and avoid obstacles, but the hop's development of these faculties is an example of natural selection modifying existing talents.
Darwin's observation of orchids in the Kentish countryside led to his discovery of the plant's propensity for swindling insects, which resulted from natural selection. With customary brilliance, Jones demonstrates how Darwin's discoveries continue to resonate.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments