Today we recognize that interspecies resemblances in structure and embryonic development are expressions of shared DNA and that variations develop from genetic errors that creep in as cells divide. Such research has only confirmed evolution as the central organizing principle of biology. The implications of Darwin’s theory are direct, sounding alarms about the way pathogens can become immune to antibiotics, and about the possibility that global warming will push the migrations of birds and the spring emergence of the bugs they feed on out of alignment.
Reading creationist arguments, one is struck by the mental Twister they play to explain, say, the coexistence of the ancient light from stars and a 6000-year-young Earth. At the Museum of Science, you marvel again at how simple, clear, and expansive Darwin’s theory is.
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Every Friday there's an art walk, End-of-year exhibitions reveal mystery and beauty, Gods and monsters — and David Hasselhoff, More 
- Every Friday there's an art walk
This Friday, as the first Friday of every month, Portland art-lovers will wander the streets, checking out the latest and greatest our galleries, museums, and shops have to offer. Nearby communities have their own versions, too.
- End-of-year exhibitions reveal mystery and beauty
Think it’s impossible to find a newish gallery show at the end of December? Think again.
- Gods and monsters — and David Hasselhoff
The Museum of Fine Arts did big things with Napoleon and Edward Hopper, pictures of prostitutes graced the walls of Boston’s two biggest art museums, and all hell broke loose when the Mooninites invaded.
- Monkey see, monkey do
So thorough and deadpan is the joke that Catherine Chalmers pulls off in her ravishing color photographs of insects crawling across flowers they resemble that when I read the wall text I was sure there had been a mistake. Slideshow: Going Ape: Confronting Animals In Contemporary Art at DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park
- Acquiring minds
Given that virtually every activity in our lives is experienced through purchases, the exhibition’s focus on branding is sure to resonate with those of us facing post-holiday bills.
- Bringing back sexy
It seems the Hindu god Krishna and his lover Radha were always sneaking off to some secluded moonlit spot. Slideshow: Domains of Wonder: Masterworks of Indian Painting at the MFA
- Smoke and mirrors (and elephants) at the ICA
Not into wheatpasting and framed posters? The ICA is about to serve up two shows by artists who promise not to pop up on street walls all over the city.
- Your history
For a building, inclusion on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered list is a mixed blessing.
- 10 above-and-beyond Earth-huggy ways to do things in Boston that, of course, do not use gas
- Where the wild things are
Venture out into the waters and woodlands of New England, and there's a chance you'll bump into "Champ," America's own Loch Ness Monster, who allegedly plies the muddy ripples of Lake Champlain.
- ...And the living is easy
Fellow Portlanders, we have about three months until we return to our caves for hibernation.
- Less
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Museum And Gallery
, Science and Technology, Nature and the Environment, Wildlife, More
, Science and Technology, Nature and the Environment, Wildlife, Biology, Life Sciences, Sciences, Cultural Institutions and Parks, Museums, Birds, Boston Museum of Science, Less
