Drawings by Carolina M. Correia and Kailin Weitkämper
© BotMuc/ Carolina M. Correia und Kailin Weitkämper
Divergence and Convergence – an illustrated guide to plant evolution
In their exhibition, Carolina M. Correia and Kailin Weitkämper build on the collaborative tradition of science and art. Through the lens of botanical art, they explore divergent and convergent evolution, which results in the extraordinary variety of form and function in the plant kingdom.
Botanical art is an established partnership between scientists and artists. Drawings and watercolours have often and historically been used to document the incredible biodiversity of plants. Especially since Linnaeus, botanical art has been vital in conceptualising the plant kingdom.
“Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution“, says the evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky. Natural selection drives diversification as lineages adapt to overcome environmental challenges – this leads to divergence. Plant groups from different ancestors often independently evolve similar solutions to the same problems. This phenomenon is called “convergent evolution”.
The exhibition will be opened on 1 August with a vernissage featuring the artists.
Admission to the exhibition is subject to a fee (regular: 5.50 €, reduced: 4 €). Further information can be found on the website of the Munich-Nymphenburg Botanical Garden.