Darwin’s Finches: Clues to the Origin of Species

Duration:

Year Published: 1961

Complete Record: Begins with a discussion of the paleontologist and his work and progresses to a discussion of the origin of new species. Describes Charles Darwin and his ship which took him to the Galapagos Islands. Depicts some of the familiar life on these islands, particularly penguins, crabs, iguanas, and finches, as well as life found only on these islands, such as a 500 pound tortoise, marine iguanas, and long-beaked finches that eat insects instead of seeds. Develops Darwin's theory of variation and natural selection by illustration of the finches and marine iguanas. Concludes with a discussion of the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species.