Plön Evolution Path
The Plön Evolution Path (Plöner Evolutionspfad) is an educational public works project that presents the history and evolution of life on Earth. Located in Plön, Germany, the Path is composed of 11 dual-language stations The Path extends over 1.3 km, winding its way along the shore of the Großer Plöner See and leading to the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology. The distance between each station is proportional to the time interval between the corresponding evolutionary periods. The Evolution Path was officially inaugurated on the 14th of September, 2018, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Max Planck Society.
More info at evolbio.mpg.de/evolutionspfad
STATIONS: As part of the design of the Evolution Path, each station is presented by the Owl of Minerva, who provides commentary and trivia regarding the subjects discussed.
ICONS: Each station possesses a unique icon to symbolize the represented time period, from the 'Origin of Life' (3800 Mya) to the 'Evolution of Humans' (5 Mya).
MINERVA: Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, war, and the arts, makes an appearance on the Plön Evolution Path. As Minerva's likeness serves as the logo for the Max Planck Society, care was taken to base her design off of the logo, as well as represent her accurately for the purposes of the Path. Historically, she is represented as wearing a chiton, along with a golden helmet and breastplate. In her hands, she carries a spear and the Aegis shield. Alongside her are her owl (representing wisdom) and a serpent (representing creativity). In her final version (present on the Path), she has left her instruments of war at home, and carries only an academic tome.
OWL OF MINERVA: In many depictions of Minerva, she is accompanied by the Owl of Minerva, who symbolizes her association with learning and knowledge. For the Evolution Path, the Owl of Minerva reprises his role as a companion animal, offering commentary and trivia regarding the information at each station. Always curious, he serves as the official guide of the Plön Evolution Path.
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