Leading evolutionary biologist and renowned atheist Richard Dawkins discussed the birth and development of the scientific thought revolving around genetic divergence during a lecture yesterday in Campbell Hall.

Dawkins became scientifically recognized in 1976 for pioneering the gene-centered view of evolution in his book The Selfish Gene and also coined the term “meme” to extend ideas of replication beyond the realm of biology. Dawkin’s “Darwin’s Five Bridges” presentation — hosted by UCSB’s Center for Evolutionary Psychology — addressed the potential directions evolution will take and expanded on his belief that the future of our species’ survival depends on learning from its failures.