Celebrating Diversity: The Darwin Day Quiz Challenge

In 2009, Richard Dawkins and Jerry Coyne, well-known evolutionary biologists, published book-length treatments covering the evidence for evolution. This significant contribution added to the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of "On the Origin of Species."

Darwin Day is celebrated on 12 February to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin. The day is used to highlight Darwin's contributions to science and to promote science in general. It marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of "On the Origin of Species."

In 1909, events took place at the University of Chicago to honor Darwin's contributions and discuss recent discoveries. More than 400 scientists and dignitaries from 167 countries participated in the event, making it a widely reported occasion of public interest.

D. J. Grothe championed the effort among groups associated with the Center for Inquiry to promote Darwin Day. The Center's branches across the world also organized Darwin Day events, contributing to the awareness and celebration of Charles Darwin's contributions to science. D. J. Grothe's continued support helped foster the participation of various organizations and individuals in Darwin Day celebrations.

Evolution Sunday, developed by Michael Zimmerman, intends to show the compatibility of faith and evolutionary science in many religious traditions. This movement, expanded to Evolution Weekend, emphasizes that faith and evolutionary science can coexist. The project aims to foster understanding and discussions about the compatibility of religious beliefs with scientific principles, especially in the context of evolution.

The National Center for Science Education and the Linnaean Society have endorsed Darwin Day. These endorsements reflect the recognition and support from scientific organizations for celebrating Charles Darwin's contributions to science and the promotion of science in general. Darwin Day has garnered acknowledgment from various scientific communities, emphasizing its importance in highlighting the impact of Darwin's work.

In 2009, the Perth Mint, Australia, launched a commemorative 1-ounce silver legal tender coin depicting Darwin, young and old, as part of the Darwin Day commemorations. This coin featured Darwin, HMS Beagle, and Darwin's signature, adding a unique and tangible element to the celebrations of Darwin's contributions to science.

In 2011, California Representative Pete Stark introduced H. Res 81 to Congress, designating 12 February 2011 as Darwin Day. The resolution aimed to recognize Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol of scientific advancement and advocated for a global celebration of science and humanity. The effort was a collaboration between Stark and the American Humanist Association.

House Resolution 67, introduced by Representative Jim Himes on 2 February 2015, aimed to designate 12 February as Darwin Day in the United States. The resolution recognized Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to focus a global celebration of science and humanity. This legislative effort contributed to the ongoing recognition and celebration of Charles Darwin's impact on science.

Daniel Dennett, Steven Pinker, Eugenie Scott, Steven Jones, Elliott Sober, and several other notable individuals lent their names in support of Darwin Day. Their support, along with the involvement of musicians and entertainers like Richard Miller and Stephen Baird, contributed to the success and recognition of Darwin Day as an international celebration of science and humanity.

In 2004, Michael Zimmerman founded "The Clergy Letter Project," in which over 11,100 clergy signed a declaration that a person of faith does not have to choose between belief in God or belief in evolution. This project aimed to demonstrate that faith and evolutionary science are compatible in many religious traditions, contributing to the broader acceptance of evolutionary principles.

Free Inquiry magazine, the flagship publication of the Council for Secular Humanism, has advertised Darwin Day. This coverage, along with advertising in Skeptical Inquirer, contributed to attracting more individuals and groups to participate in Darwin Day celebrations. Media coverage, including major publications like The Guardian, helped increase awareness and participation in Darwin Day events.

On 2 June 1909, the Royal Society of New Zealand held a "Darwin Celebration" to honor Charles Darwin's contributions. The event had a very large attendance and contributed to recognizing Darwin's impact on science and society.

In 2015, Delaware's governor Jack Markell declared 12 February "Charles Darwin Day," making Delaware the first state in America to formally mark the occasion. This declaration reflected the acknowledgment of Charles Darwin's contributions to science and the importance of sciences in the betterment of humanity.

In the late 1990s, Amanda Chesworth and Robert Stephens co-founded an unofficial effort to promote Darwin Day. Their efforts contributed to the establishment and promotion of Darwin Day as an annual celebration. Amanda Chesworth later incorporated the "Darwin Day Program" in New Mexico, emphasizing the multidisciplinary reach of Charles Darwin and blending academic work with popular culture.