What the heck is a lek?
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
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This video, featuring Year 10 student Matthew Johnson, explores the scientific contributions of Alfred Russel Wallace to the theory of evolution. Through the lens of Wallace’s birdskin collection and a first edition of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.”
How can scientists learn about the past and how life has changed on Earth?
How did Wallace’s birdskin collection help him understand evolution?
Why do you think it’s important to learn about historical figures in science, like Wallace?
Debate Activity – Divide the class into two groups, one representing Darwin and the other Wallace. Each group should research their assigned scientist’s arguments for evolution and then hold a debate in class, defending their position.
Research Activity – Have students research the life and work of Alfred Russel Wallace in more detail. They can create a short biography, a timeline of his discoveries, or a comparison chart highlighting the similarities and differences between his ideas and Darwin’s.
Photo credit: Alfred Russel Wallace birdskin, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!