#  Evolution 

 



   ![Photo of ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/farrell/files/exh_evol_header.jpg?itok=B14cPw9h) 

 

The Farrell Lab assisted in the implementation of the permanent exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History: Evolution. We created two displays and contributed to the Evolution videos.

## Natural variation within a single species: *Cheloblasis perplexa* / Rolled leaf beetles 

   ![Image of signage stating ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/farrell/files/exh_evol_natvar-2.jpg?itok=oNUqvLNf) 

 

One of several species used to show variation of traits within a single species, variation within *Chelobasis* species is so great that biologists are uncertain how many different species of these beetles actually exist.

Brian Farrell developed the concept for this portion of the Natural Variations display, while Duane McKenna chose specimens and assembled it. To see natural variation across kingdoms, visit the HMNH.

## Evolutionary radiation: Beetle trophic pyramid

   ![Image of Beetle trophic pyramid - hundreds of beetles forming a triangle on a light blueish-green background](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/farrell/files/exh_evol_beetlepyramid.jpg?itok=5XOZZ9Az) 

 

The Beetle Trophic Pyramid helps show the diversity of beetles not only in terms of their physical forms, but in terms of their feeding habits as well. It illustrates their evolutionary radiation in a direct manner.

The concept of the Beetle Trophic Pyramid display was developed by Brian Farrell, and implemented by Amie Jones. Duane McKenna and Adam Clark assisted in gathering the hundreds of beetles used in the display.

Visit the museum to learn why beetles are considered the most diverse plant or animal group on the planet!

## Video: Current evolution research at Havard

 ![Screenshot of video, showing Brian D. Farrell sitting in office, speaking](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/farrell/files/exh_evol_vid_b.jpg)

 

   ![Screenshot of video, showing Jessica Rykken looking into microscope in lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/farrell/files/exh_evol_vid_j.jpg?itok=i-zKp_Vc) 

 

   ![Screenshot of video, showing Whit Farnum in lab, conducting research](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/farrell/files/exh_evol_vid_w.jpg?itok=IkLtwZx-) 

 

   ![Screenshot of video, showing Amie Jones at computer, with images of beetles on screen](/sites/g/files/omnuum6366/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/farrell/files/exh_evol_vid_a.jpg?itok=zYyy93ig) 

 

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics produced four videos for the Evolution exhibit. One video describes current evolutionary research at Harvard, and has clips of various Farrell lab members hard at work. It can be viewed [here.](/news/assembling-tree-life)

For more information about the Evolution exhibit, read this *Harvard Gazette* [article](http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2009/05/evolution-explored-from-all-angles/)



 



 

 See also:- [ Exhibits ](/gallery-type/exhibits)