Commemoration of Charles Darwin

Interest in his work has led to scholarship and publications, nicknamed the Darwin Industry, and his life is remembered in fiction, film and TV productions as well as in numerous biographies.

[9] Although related to American Emberizidae or tanagers rather than finches, the group of species related to those Darwin found in the Galápagos Islands became popularly known as "Darwin's finches" following publication of David Lack's book of that name in 1947, fostering inaccurate legends about their significance to his work.

[14] In 1880, Darwin consented to a request from the Midland Union of Natural History Societies to name their annual prize and medal in his honour.

[18] The Linnean Society of London has commemorated Darwin's achievements by the award of the Darwin-Wallace Medal since 1908.

[19] Darwin came fourth in the 100 Greatest Britons poll sponsored by the BBC and voted for by the public.

[20][21] In 2000 Darwin's image appeared on the Bank of England ten pound note, replacing Charles Dickens.

His impressive, luxuriant beard (which was reportedly difficult to forge) was said to be a contributory factor to the bank's choice.

[24] As a humorous celebration of evolution, the annual Darwin Award is bestowed on individuals who "improve our gene pool by removing themselves from it.

[31] An abstract sculpture, The Quantum Leap, was erected for the celebrations, and unveiled on 8 October 2009 by Randal Keynes, a great-great-grandson of Darwin.

[34] Since 2004, Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) in Guatemala, has celebrated Darwin Day with a series of conferences that includes international speakers.