Dr Wilmot James and Prof Michael Cherry

Professor Michael Cherry delivered the keynote Darwin Lecture on Monday, 6 August, to a large crowd of academics and interested members of the general public.

"It is essential for us to ensure that science is made more approachable for the layman," said Professor Raj Ramesar, head of the UCT Division of Human Genetics. Professor Cherry spoke engagingly on the nature of secondary sexual characteristics as they effect evolutionary biology.

Darwin disliked Robert Fitzroy, the Captain of the HMS Beagle. The feeling was mutual. Without that candid belligerence it may be that Darwin may never spent as much time on land, running away from the ship during their five year voyage. And without his diligent collections he may never have spotted his evolutionary theory.

From ostrich plumage to sun-bird tail length to beach captaining elephant seals; Professor Cherry took us on a journey of discovery.

His full presentation is available here.