In his new book, The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin’s Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World—and Us, evolutionary ornithologist Richard O. Prum, PhD, examines how mating preferences —what Darwin termed “the taste for the beautiful”—create the extraordinary range of ornamentation in the animal world. 

Prum’s presentation will explore how birds offer some of the most notable examples, from intricate courtship dances to elaborate plumage with bright colors. Take a closer look at club-winged manakins who sing with their wings, and great argus pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres. You will also discover how this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality.

A book sale & signing will follow the program.

Presented in partnership with Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Audubon Society of Greater Denver, and Audubon Rockies

LOCATION: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Ricketson Auditorium

TICKETS:
$12 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and DMNS members, $15 nonmember. Contact us for discount code.