New museum exhibit focuses on Darwin’s study of geology

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It didn’t take a plane ticket and a geological tool kit for students and community members to meet exotic animals and classify rocks Sunday during the MSU Museum’s annual Darwin Discovery Day.

Different ancient rocks and exhibits were on display at the museum to honor acclaimed scientist Charles Darwin’s research in evolution and geology.

Richard Bellon, a Darwin scholar and professor in the department of history and Lyman Briggs College, acted as Charles Darwin and gave presentations on Darwin’s work in natural selection, geology and religion.

“(Education of evolution) is crucially important,” Bellon said. “Evolution is the unifying theory of biology.”

This year’s theme was Darwin rocks!, which featured the opening of a new exhibit, It Started with a Rock Collection: Charles Darwin, Geologist.

The curator of the new exhibit, Danita Brandt, an associate professor of geological sciences, said her research on Darwin started from scratch.

“I never intended to be a Darwin scholar,” Brandt said. “(Researching) was all about going to the primary source, reading his notes and letters. I’ve done a crash course in Darwin’s work.”

Brandt said the focus of her exhibit was Darwin’s work in geology rather than his research in biology and evolution.

“I think it’s important to get the word out that he was a geologist,” Brandt said. “His training as a scientist came from geology, his habit of mind came from geology, and it turns out he was training to be a professional geologist.”

Brandt said her favorite part of the exhibit displayed rocks from Darwin’s hometown of Shrewsbury, England, with the help of the Shropshire Geological Society in England, who mailed the rocks for use in the exhibit.

“We started this event eight years ago, in part to educate people about Charles Darwin and his work because there’s so much misunderstanding and misrepresentation,” Brandt said.

Although Brandt’s exhibit displayed Darwin’s work in geology, not all of the exhibits showcased Sunday featured nonliving objects.

With the help of MSU’s Herpetology Club, Darwin Day featured a petting zoo with different amphibians and reptiles from across the world.

The club studies reptiles and amphibians and organizes community events.

Emily Gertiser, zoology senior and member of the MSU Herpetology club, hoped the group’s exhibit taught kids an appreciation and respect for animals and an understanding of a different aspect of science.

“A lot of (the kids) don’t know a lot about animals,” Gertiser said. “We hope today gives them a new understanding. Like, when they pet a snake and say ‘Oh, it’s really not slimy,’ stuff like that.”

The club’s exhibit featured pythons, geckos, turtles and boas, as well as other amphibians and reptiles.

Although Darwin Discovery Day only took place on Sunday, the exhibit will remain on display in the MSU Museum until April 24.

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