On 12th February, the birth of Charles Darwin, the author of the theory of evolution by natural selection, will once more be commemorated in Bilbao. The anthropologist, María Martinón-Torres, will participate in this scientific dissemination event, talking about the reasons for the extinction of the Neanderthals, along with the biologist and scientific writer, Ambrosio García-Leal, who will explain how the differences between the sexes of the different species have evolved. This conference will begin at 7pm and will take place in Bidebarrieta Library. Free entry will be subject to available seating.
The presentation by Martinón-Torres is entitled ‘Neanderthals, Chronicle of a Death Foretold?’. She will explain how, until recently, the debate on the Neanderthals has focused on their destiny and the reasons for their extinction, although more recent research has moved attention to the study of their origin.
The talk by García Leal is entitled ‘Sexual Selection: Evolution of the Differences between the Sexes’, and will explain how sexual selection has led to the differentiation of males and females in their morphology, physiology and behaviour. Such differences are related to the different reproductive strategies of the species, including humans.
Speakers
Palaeontologist, María Martinón-Torres, heads the Dental Anthropology research group at the National Research Centre into Human Evolution (CENIEH) She has published more than 10 books or chapters of books in the field of human evolution and over 60 articles in prestigious international scientific journals.
Ambrosio García Leal is a biologist, doctor in philosophy of science and a scientific writer. He has published three books: “La Conjura de los Machos” (Tusquets, 2005), “El Sexo de las Lagartijas” (Tusquets, 2008) and “El Azar Creador” (Tusquets, 2013).
Darwin Day
Darwin Day has been celebrated in Bilbao since 2007. Leading figures from science and dissemination, such as Francisco J. Ayala, Pilar Carbonero, Juan Luis Arsuaga and Manuel Toharia, among others, have participated in it, turning this event into a must for fans of science and culture in general.
This event is organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, the Círculo Escéptico and Bilbao City Council. El Correo newspaper, CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Biophysics Foundation and the Aula Espazio Gela of the UPV/EHU are backing the event.