The Process of Evolution: On the Theory of Natural Selection
Whether it is Lamarck's theory that evolution is driven by an innate tendency towards
greater complexity, Darwin's theory of natural selection, or the belief that the
evolution of plant and animal life is controlled by a higher being, the process of
evolution cannot be denied. Archaeological investigations have proven that species
evolve over time, but the unanswered questions are ?How?? and ?Why?? The answer lies in
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England on February 12, 1809. Mr. Darwin was
easily bored with his studies as a child, he turned away from his father's footsteps and
becoming a physician after seeing several operations performed without anesthesia. He
became interested in geology and natural history and was not intrigued by his studies of
the holy ordge University. He was sent on a trip to explore the world and while he was
on this journey, he became enthralled with biology and geology. He made and wrote
observations about coral reefs (1842), and volcanic islands (1844), but his greatest
biological observations were those pertaining to his theory of evolution.
Darwin's findings begin in the Galapagos Islands where he noticed a wide array of
finches whose beaks were different sizes. He believed that the physical conditions on
the island did not affect the birds' beaks, but it was the birds' feeding habits. For
instance, the birds with the large, powerful beaks ate large seeds, while the birds with
the small or fine beaks, ate small seeds or insects. He theorized that each bird was
suited to its surroundings and was adapted to its environment, thus the birds best suited
to the environment prevailed and reproduced, leaving those who did not adapt, extinct.
In his book, On the Origin of Species, Darwin presented the idea that species evolve
from more primitive species through the process of natural selection, which works
spontaneously in nature. Darwinism states that not all individuals of a species are
exactly the same, but individuals have variations and that some of these variations make
their bearers better adapted to their particular ecological conditions. Not only does
this theory make perfect sense, it is also very simple and difficult to dispute.
Darwinism can be compared to the today's world by using an analogy such as, two people
apply for a job, one person has the educational background and experience that is
required to obtain the job, while the other does not. The person with the experience and
education has better adapted himself to his surroundings ,therefore the person who has
adapted to his environment is given the job and the other remains unemployed.
Darwinism is often opposed by orthodox churchgoers who believe that their God is
directly responsible for every happening in nature. This is a respectable opinion, but
Darwinism and religious beliefs do not have to be in direct conflict, for example, in the
Christian Bible in the book of Genesis (1:11-12,1:24) it is stated that God said, ?Let
the earth produce all kinds of plants...So the earth produced all kinds of plants, and
God was pleased with what he saw. Most Christians have difficulty believing that
evolution is justifiable, all God commanded was that the earth was to produce the plants
and animals, the Bible does not say that the earth looked like it does today, and we
know, in fact, that it did not. The Bible does not explain how evolution occurred, what
processes evolution entails, and therefore does not contradict it. The Bible describes
how things began, and is not even very descriptive at that.
Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is an easily justifiable way of explaining the
process of evolution. His ideas have made an enormous impact on the world, and have
revolutionized biology. Though some disagree with Darwin's ideas, they are still worthy
of acceptance and should be revered as one of the most intelligent and important
biological findings in history.
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