If evolution is a drama, then ecology provides the theatre and Darwinian Demons are the potential villains of the piece. Darwian Demons are species that try to dominate everything - so what stops them?

Ecology and evolution

Is 'natural selection' inimical to bio-diversity? Why is the natural world not dominated by a few 'super' species? And in the future, can the richness of nature be preserved? In this album, Jonathan Silvertown, Professor of Ecology at The Open University, explains how Darwinian theory uses the concept of niche specialisation to account for the diversity of flora and fauna on Earth. If it were not for environmental niches, Darwinian 'demons', might emerge, powerful species whose evolutionary fitness makes them all conquering. However, according to Darwin, the natural world is infinitely complex and inhabited by a multitude of different species, each of which is peculiarly adapted to its local environment.
The tracks on this album were produced by The Open University in collaboration with the British Council. They form part of Darwin Now, a global initiative celebrating the life and work of Charles Darwin and the impact his ideas about evolution continue to have on today’s world. © British Council 2009.

Education

Is 'natural selection' inimical to bio-diversity? Why is the natural world not dominated by a few 'super' species? And in the future, can the richness of nature be preserved? In this album, Jonathan Silvertown, Professor of Ecology at The Open University, explains how Darwinian theory uses the concept of niche specialisation to account for the diversity of flora and fauna on Earth. If it were not for environmental niches, Darwinian 'demons', might emerge, powerful species whose evolutionary fitness makes them all conquering. However, according to Darwin, the natural world is infinitely complex and inhabited by a multitude of different species, each of which is peculiarly adapted to its local environment. The tracks on this album were produced by The Open University in collaboration with the British Council. They form part of Darwin Now, a global initiative celebrating the life and work of Charles Darwin and the impact his ideas about evolution continue to have on today’s world. © British Council 2009.

Share Ecology and evolution

Sign up to save your podcasts

Ecology and evolution

Ecology and evolution

More shows like Darwinian Demons - Audio

Writing Poetry - Audio

Reading Political Philosophy: From Machiavelli to Mill - Audio

Writing family history - Audio

Start writing plays - Audio

Beginners’ Chinese - Audio

Search Engines of the Future: The Pharos project - for iPad/Mac/PC

Philosophy: Justice and Morality - Audio

Gaelic in modern Scotland - for iBooks

Art history: modern and contemporary - for iPod/iPhone

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio