Introduction

The content from this book is taken from Part 3 of the Charles Darwin, Evolution and Tropical Australia MOOC, run by CDU from 2013 -2017.

The free, open course was offered by Charles Darwin University to provide an introduction to Charles Darwin, the theory of evolution, Alfred Russel Wallace, and an overview of adaptation of tropical organisms in the Northern Territory of Australia. The course received excellent feedback and included engaging videos and innovative, interactive media. This course won Blackboard’s 2014 Exemplary Course Award and Director’s Choice for Courses with Distinction.

“This course is one of the best MOOC course designs I have seen and should be considered a model for others to follow. The materials are so relevant and engaging that it feels like you are talking with the person.” ~Blackboard Review Panel

The MOOC featured guest appearances that have been included in this resource:

• Harvard University’s Professor Janet Browne, Charles Darwin Scholar 2014;
• Professors Peter and Rosemary Grant, Princeton, Charles Darwin Scholars 2016; and
• Professor Daniel Dennett, Tufts University, Charles Darwin Scholar 2018.

In this book, we look at the life of Alfred Russel Wallace and his exploration of the Malay Archipelago. The Wallace Line marks the division between the Oriental and Australasian zoogeographic realms. We explore the geological and geographic setting of Wallacea, and the distribution of animals and plants in relation to Wallace’s Line. Watch the following 2 videos to get an overview of what is covered.