"Evolve 2009" also marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species."
Organizers say they hope to remedy recent polls that show many adult Americans do not accept or understand this fundamental scientific tenet, rooted in Darwin's theory of natural selection.
The series will feature evolution-themed exhibits, tours, performances and discussions with prominent scientists, writers and artists, beginning this week and continuing into April.
Various institutions, including the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Public Library, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, the Exploratorium and the Commonwealth Club of California, are participating.
To mark Darwin's Feb. 12 birthday, the California Academy of Sciences will host an Evolve 2009 kickoff party at 6 p.m. Thursday to explore its Islands of Evolution exhibit.
For a full schedule of events and venues, visit http://www.evolve2009.org.
