evolution essay

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AP®︎/College Biology

Course: ap®︎/college biology   >   unit 7.

• Introduction to evolution and natural selection
• Natural selection and the owl butterfly
• Biodiversity and natural selection
• Variation in a species

Darwin, evolution, & natural selection

Natural selection.

Key points:

• Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who proposed the theory of biological evolution by natural selection.
• Darwin defined evolution as "descent with modification," the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor.
• The mechanism that Darwin proposed for evolution is natural selection . Because resources are limited in nature, organisms with heritable traits that favor survival and reproduction will tend to leave more offspring than their peers, causing the traits to increase in frequency over generations.
• Natural selection causes populations to become adapted , or increasingly well-suited, to their environments over time. Natural selection depends on the environment and requires existing heritable variation in a group.

What is evolution?

Early ideas about evolution, influences on darwin, darwin and the voyage of the beagle.

• Traits are often heritable. In living organisms, many characteristics are inherited, or passed from parent to offspring. (Darwin knew this was the case, even though he did not know that traits were inherited via genes.)
• More offspring are produced than can survive. Organisms are capable of producing more offspring than their environments can support. Thus, there is competition for limited resources in each generation.
• Offspring vary in their heritable traits. The offspring in any generation will be slightly different from one another in their traits (color, size, shape, etc.), and many of these features will be heritable.
• In a population, some individuals will have inherited traits that help them survive and reproduce (given the conditions of the environment, such as the predators and food sources present). The individuals with the helpful traits will leave more offspring in the next generation than their peers, since the traits make them more effective at surviving and reproducing.
• Because the helpful traits are heritable, and because organisms with these traits leave more offspring, the traits will tend to become more common (present in a larger fraction of the population) in the next generation.
• Over generations, the population will become adapted to its environment (as individuals with traits helpful in that environment have consistently greater reproductive success than their peers).

Example: How natural selection can work

Key points about natural selection, natural selection depends on the environment, natural selection acts on existing heritable variation, heritable variation comes from random mutations, natural selection and the evolution of species, attribution:, works cited:.

• Wilkin, D. and Akre, B. (2016, March 23). Influences on Darwin - Advanced. In CK-12 biology advanced concepts . Retrieved from http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Biology-Advanced-Concepts/section/10.18/ .
• Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., and Jackson, R. B. (2011). The voyage of the Beagle . In Campbell Biology (10th ed., p. 466). San Francisco, CA: Pearson.
• Darwin's finches. (2016, April 25). Retrieved March 16, 2016 from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin%27s_finches .
• Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., and Jackson, R. B. (2011). Figure 1.18. Natural selection. In Campbell biology (10th ed., p. 14). San Francisco, CA: Pearson.

Additional references:

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Theory of evolution.

The theory of evolution is a shortened form of the term “theory of evolution by natural selection,” which was proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the nineteenth century.

Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Geology, Geography, Physical Geography

Young Charles Darwin

Painting of a young Charles Darwin

Photograph by James L. Stanfield

Ideas aimed at explaining how organisms change, or evolve, over time date back to Anaximander of Miletus, a Greek philosopher who lived in the 500s B.C.E. Noting that human babies are born helpless, Anaximander speculated that humans must have descended from some other type of creature whose young could survive without any help. He concluded that those ancestors must be fish, since fish hatch from eggs and immediately begin living with no help from their parents. From this reasoning, he proposed that all life began in the sea.

Anaximander was correct; humans can indeed trace our ancestry back to fish. His idea, however, was not a theory in the scientific meaning of the word, because it could not be subjected to testing that might support it or prove it wrong. In science, the word “ theory ” indicates a very high level of certainty. Scientists talk about evolution as a theory , for instance, just as they talk about Einstein’s explanation of gravity as a theory .

A theory is an idea about how something in nature works that has gone through rigorous testing through observations and experiments designed to prove the idea right or wrong. When it comes to the evolution of life, various philosophers and scientists, including an eighteenth-century English doctor named Erasmus Darwin, proposed different aspects of what later would become evolutionary theory. But evolution did not reach the status of being a scientific theory until Darwin’s grandson, the more famous Charles Darwin, published his famous book On the Origin of Species . Darwin and a scientific contemporary of his, Alfred Russel Wallace, proposed that evolution occurs because of a phenomenon called natural selection .

In the theory of natural selection, organisms produce more offspring than are able to survive in their environment. Those that are better physically equipped to survive, grow to maturity, and reproduce. Those that are lacking in such fitness, on the other hand, either do not reach an age when they can reproduce or produce fewer offspring than their counterparts. Natural selection is sometimes summed up as “survival of the fittest” because the “fittest” organisms—those most suited to their environment—are the ones that reproduce most successfully, and are most likely to pass on their traits to the next generation.

This means that if an environment changes, the traits that enhance survival in that environment will also gradually change, or evolve. Natural selection was such a powerful idea in explaining the evolution of life that it became established as a scientific theory . Biologists have since observed numerous examples of natural selection influencing evolution . Today, it is known to be just one of several mechanisms by which life evolves. For example, a phenomenon known as genetic drift can also cause species to evolve. In genetic drift , some organisms —purely by chance—produce more offspring than would be expected. Those organisms are not necessarily the fittest of their species, but it is their genes that get passed on to the next generation.

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Introductory essay

Written by the educator who created What Makes Us Human?, a brief look at the key facts, tough questions and big ideas in his field. Begin this TED Study with a fascinating read that gives context and clarity to the material.

As a biological anthropologist, I never liked drawing sharp distinctions between human and non-human. Such boundaries make little evolutionary sense, as they ignore or grossly underestimate what we humans have in common with our ancestors and other primates. What's more, it's impossible to make sharp distinctions between human and non-human in the paleoanthropological record. Even with a time machine, we couldn't go back to identify one generation of humans and say that the previous generation contained none: one's biological parents, by definition, must be in the same species as their offspring. This notion of continuity is inherent to most evolutionary perspectives and it's reflected in the similarities (homologies) shared among very different species. As a result, I've always been more interested in what makes us similar to, not different from, non-humans.

Evolutionary research has clearly revealed that we share great biological continuity with others in the animal kingdom. Yet humans are truly unique in ways that have not only shaped our own evolution, but have altered the entire planet. Despite great continuity and similarity with our fellow primates, our biocultural evolution has produced significant, profound discontinuities in how we interact with each other and in our environment, where no precedent exists in other animals. Although we share similar underlying evolved traits with other species, we also display uses of those traits that are so novel and extraordinary that they often make us forget about our commonalities. Preparing a twig to fish for termites may seem comparable to preparing a stone to produce a sharp flake—but landing on the moon and being able to return to tell the story is truly out of this non-human world.

Humans are the sole hominin species in existence today. Thus, it's easier than it would have been in the ancient past to distinguish ourselves from our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. Primatologists such as Jane Goodall and Frans de Waal, however, continue to clarify why the lines dividing human from non-human aren't as distinct as we might think. Goodall's classic observations of chimpanzee behaviors like tool use, warfare and even cannibalism demolished once-cherished views of what separates us from other primates. de Waal has done exceptional work illustrating some continuity in reciprocity and fairness, and in empathy and compassion, with other species. With evolution, it seems, we are always standing on the shoulders of others, our common ancestors.

Primatology—the study of living primates—is only one of several approaches that biological anthropologists use to understand what makes us human. Two others, paleoanthropology (which studies human origins through the fossil record) and molecular anthropology (which studies human origins through genetic analysis), also yield some surprising insights about our hominin relatives. For example, Zeresenay Alemsegad's painstaking field work and analysis of Selam, a 3.3 million-year old fossil of a 3-year-old australopithecine infant from Ethiopia, exemplifies how paleoanthropologists can blur boundaries between living humans and apes.

Selam, if alive today, would not be confused with a three-year-old human—but neither would we mistake her for a living ape. Selam's chimpanzee-like hyoid bone suggests a more ape-like form of vocal communication, rather than human language capability. Overall, she would look chimp-like in many respects—until she walked past you on two feet. In addition, based on Selam's brain development, Alemseged theorizes that Selam and her contemporaries experienced a human-like extended childhood with a complex social organization.

Fast-forward to the time when Neanderthals lived, about 130,000 – 30,000 years ago, and most paleoanthropologists would agree that language capacity among the Neanderthals was far more human-like than ape-like; in the Neanderthal fossil record, hyoids and other possible evidence of language can be found. Moreover, paleogeneticist Svante Pääbo's groundbreaking research in molecular anthropology strongly suggests that Neanderthals interbred with modern humans. Paabo's work informs our genetic understanding of relationships to ancient hominins in ways that one could hardly imagine not long ago—by extracting and comparing DNA from fossils comprised largely of rock in the shape of bones and teeth—and emphasizes the great biological continuity we see, not only within our own species, but with other hominins sometimes classified as different species.

Though genetics has made truly astounding and vital contributions toward biological anthropology by this work, it's important to acknowledge the equally pivotal role paleoanthropology continues to play in its tandem effort to flesh out humanity's roots. Paleoanthropologists like Alemsegad draw on every available source of information to both physically reconstruct hominin bodies and, perhaps more importantly, develop our understanding of how they may have lived, communicated, sustained themselves, and interacted with their environment and with each other. The work of Pääbo and others in his field offers powerful affirmations of paleoanthropological studies that have long investigated the contributions of Neanderthals and other hominins to the lineage of modern humans. Importantly, without paleoanthropology, the continued discovery and recovery of fossil specimens to later undergo genetic analysis would be greatly diminished.

Molecular anthropology and paleoanthropology, though often at odds with each other in the past regarding modern human evolution, now seem to be working together to chip away at theories that portray Neanderthals as inferior offshoots of humanity. Molecular anthropologists and paleoanthropologists also concur that that human evolution did not occur in ladder-like form, with one species leading to the next. Instead, the fossil evidence clearly reveals an evolutionary bush, with numerous hominin species existing at the same time and interacting through migration, some leading to modern humans and others going extinct.

Molecular anthropologist Spencer Wells uses DNA analysis to understand how our biological diversity correlates with ancient migration patterns from Africa into other continents. The study of our genetic evolution reveals that as humans migrated from Africa to all continents of the globe, they developed biological and cultural adaptations that allowed for survival in a variety of new environments. One example is skin color. Biological anthropologist Nina Jablonski uses satellite data to investigate the evolution of skin color, an aspect of human biological variation carrying tremendous social consequences. Jablonski underscores the importance of trying to understand skin color as a single trait affected by natural selection with its own evolutionary history and pressures, not as a tool to grouping humans into artificial races.

For Pääbo, Wells, Jablonski and others, technology affords the chance to investigate our origins in exciting new ways, adding pieces into the human puzzle at a record pace. At the same time, our technologies may well be changing who we are as a species and propelling us into an era of "neo-evolution."

Increasingly over time, human adaptations have been less related to predators, resources, or natural disasters, and more related to environmental and social pressures produced by other humans. Indeed, biological anthropologists have no choice but to consider the cultural components related to human evolutionary changes over time. Hominins have been constructing their own niches for a very long time, and when we make significant changes (such as agricultural subsistence), we must adapt to those changes. Classic examples of this include increases in sickle-cell anemia in new malarial environments, and greater lactose tolerance in regions with a long history of dairy farming.

Today we can, in some ways, evolve ourselves. We can enact biological change through genetic engineering, which operates at an astonishing pace in comparison to natural selection. Medical ethicist Harvey Fineberg calls this "neo-evolution". Fineberg goes beyond asking who we are as a species, to ask who we want to become and what genes we want our offspring to inherit. Depending on one's point of view, the future he envisions is both tantalizing and frightening: to some, it shows the promise of science to eradicate genetic abnormalities, while for others it raises the specter of eugenics. It's also worth remembering that while we may have the potential to influence certain genetic predispositions, changes in genotypes do not guarantee the desired results. Environmental and social pressures like pollution, nutrition or discrimination can trigger "epigenetic" changes which can turn genes on or off, or make them less or more active. This is important to factor in as we consider possible medical benefits from efforts in self-directed evolution. We must also ask: In an era of human-engineered, rapid-rate neo-evolution, who decides what the new human blueprints should be?

Technology figures in our evolutionary future in other ways as well. According to anthropologist Amber Case, many of our modern technologies are changing us into cyborgs: our smart phones, tablets and other tools are "exogenous components" that afford us astonishing and unsettling capabilities. They allow us to travel instantly through time and space and to create second, "digital selves" that represent our "analog selves" and interact with others in virtual environments. This has psychological implications for our analog selves that worry Case: a loss of mental reflection, the "ambient intimacy" of knowing that we can connect to anyone we want to at any time, and the "panic architecture" of managing endless information across multiple devices in virtual and real-world environments.

Despite her concerns, Case believes that our technological future is essentially positive. She suggests that at a fundamental level, much of this technology is focused on the basic concerns all humans share: who am I, where and how do I fit in, what do others think of me, who can I trust, who should I fear? Indeed, I would argue that we've evolved to be obsessed with what other humans are thinking—to be mind-readers in a sense—in a way that most would agree is uniquely human. For even though a baboon can assess those baboons it fears and those it can dominate, it cannot say something to a second baboon about a third baboon in order to trick that baboon into telling a fourth baboon to gang up on a fifth baboon. I think Facebook is a brilliant example of tapping into our evolved human psychology. We can have friends we've never met and let them know who we think we are—while we hope they like us and we try to assess what they're actually thinking and if they can be trusted. It's as if technology has provided an online supply of an addictive drug for a social mind evolved to crave that specific stimulant!

Yet our heightened concern for fairness in reciprocal relationships, in combination with our elevated sense of empathy and compassion, have led to something far greater than online chats: humanism itself. As Jane Goodall notes, chimps and baboons cannot rally together to save themselves from extinction; instead, they must rely on what she references as the "indomitable human spirit" to lessen harm done to the planet and all the living things that share it. As Goodall and other TED speakers in this course ask: will we use our highly evolved capabilities to secure a better future for ourselves and other species?

I hope those reading this essay, watching the TED Talks, and further exploring evolutionary perspectives on what makes us human, will view the continuities and discontinuities of our species as cause for celebration and less discrimination. Our social dependency and our prosocial need to identify ourselves, our friends, and our foes make us human. As a species, we clearly have major relationship problems, ranging from personal to global scales. Yet whenever we expand our levels of compassion and understanding, whenever we increase our feelings of empathy across cultural and even species boundaries, we benefit individually and as a species.

Get started

Zeresenay Alemseged

The search for humanity's roots, relevant talks.

Spencer Wells

A family tree for humanity.

Svante Pääbo

Dna clues to our inner neanderthal.

Nina Jablonski

Skin color is an illusion.

We are all cyborgs now

Harvey Fineberg

Are we ready for neo-evolution.

Frans de Waal

Moral behavior in animals.

Jane Goodall

What separates us from chimpanzees.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section The Evidence of Evolution

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The Evidence of Evolution by Kenneth Olsen LAST REVIEWED: 12 April 2023 LAST MODIFIED: 13 January 2014 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199941728-0031

“ Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution .” This statement, the title of a 1973 essay by the evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky (b. 1900–d. 1975), encapsulates the central position that evolution holds in biology. While public understanding and acceptance of evolution is notoriously low, with fewer than half of adults in countries such as the United States and Turkey accepting evolution as fact (J. D. Miller, E. C. Scott, and S. Okamoto, Public acceptance of evolution, Science 313 (2006): 765–766), the overwhelming scientific consensus is that evolution is an incontrovertible component of our planet’s history and ongoing biology. Indeed, virtually all aspects of biology can be viewed in one way or another as providing evidence of evolution. Evolution is what accounts for the signs of shared biological ancestry that appear throughout our natural world, ranging from anatomy and development, to fossils, to genome structure and gene sequences. Evolution also explains the vast number of living species on the planet, as well as their adaptations into different ecological niches. Evolution can be defined as changes in lineages of organisms over successive generations . These changes may be described at the level of genes and genetic variation, or at the level of observable traits (phenotypes). Because evolution is a process that has both shaped the history of life on Earth and continues to operate today, the lines of evidence for evolution outlined in the sections below fall into two general categories: those documenting ongoing or very recent evolution ( Evolution Caused by Human Activity , Evolution in Wild Species , Human Evolution ), and those documenting shared ancestral origins of now-diverged lineages ( Evolution in the Fossil Record , Evidence of Shared Ancestry ).

The citations in this section provide overviews of evolutionary theory and evidence for evolution. Darwin 1859 provides the foundation, albeit incomplete, for all modern evolutionary theory. Because Darwin lacked an understanding of Mendelian inheritance, he was unable to adequately explain how traits favored under natural selection could be differentially transmitted over successive generations. The rediscovery of Mendel’s laws in the early 20th century, and the subsequent integration of Darwin’s theory with population genetics, systematics, paleontology, and other disciplines, led to the “Modern Synthesis” of the mid-20th century. With some modifications (such as to incorporate insights from molecular biology), the Modern Synthesis has continued to provide a basic framework for modern evolutionary theory. Mayr 1982 provides a useful scientific retrospective on the development of the Modern Synthesis. Jacob 1977 is important in articulating the idea that evolution does not create perfect adaptations, but rather generates workable solutions with available genetic and developmental materials. Losos, et al. 2013 provides a scholarly overview of evolutionary theory. With the growth in creationist attacks on evolution in the United States in the last three decades, most contemporary overviews of evolution that are written for nonscientists are oriented to provide counterarguments to creationist objections. Coyne 2009 and Dawkins 2009 provide two such examples. Carroll 2006 focuses specifically on genetic data as evidence, while Sober 2008 develops a formal philosophical argument in support of evolution.

Carroll, S. B. 2006. The making of the fittest: DNA and the ultimate forensic record of evolution . New York: W. W. Norton.

Written for the general audience by one of the foremost researchers in the field of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), this book uses lucid writing and accessible examples to explain why DNA provides clear evidence of shared common ancestry and evolution by natural selection.

Coyne, J. A. 2009. Why evolution is true . New York: Viking.

Another work for the general reader, written by an eminent evolutionary geneticist, this book provides an expansive discussion of the many diverse lines of support for evolution and the flaws in creationist arguments.

Darwin, C. 1859. On the origin of species by means of natural selection, or, the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life . London: Murray.

The foundation of evolutionary theory. Chapters 1–4 (pp. 7–130) clearly lay out Darwin’s mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Read the first edition, as later editions include convoluted attempts to describe inheritance.

Dawkins, R. 2009. The greatest show on earth: The evidence for evolution . New York: Free Press.

Not one to suffer fools gladly, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins uses clear writing and colorful examples to illustrate the abundance of evidence for evolution while skewering creationist thinking.

Jacob, F. 1977. Evolution and tinkering. Science 196:1161–1166.

DOI: 10.1126/science.860134

This article is the first to widely introduce the idea that evolution proceeds through the co-option of existing parts for new functions, producing imperfect but workable adaptive solutions. Available online for purchase or by subscription.

Losos, J. B., D. A. Baum, D. J. Futuyma, H. E. Hoekstra, R. E. Lenski, and A. J. Mooreet al., eds. 2013. The Princeton guide to evolution . Princeton, NJ: Princeton Univ. Press.

Many chapters of this edited volume directly or indirectly provide evidence of evolution. Chapter I.3 (pp. 28–39, “The Evidence for Evolution,” by Gregory C. Mayer) focuses specifically on evidence of evolution.

Mayr, E. 1982. The growth of biological thought: Diversity, evolution, and inheritance . Cambridge, MA: Belknap.

An expansive work by one of the most influential evolutionary biologists of the 20th century. Chapter 12 (pp. 535–570) provides a comprehensive historical account of the development of the Modern Synthesis in the mid-20th century. Chapter 13 (pp. 571–627) examines further 20th-century developments within the paradigm of the Modern Synthesis.

Sober, E. 2008. Evidence and evolution: The logic behind the science . Cambridge, UK: Cambridge Univ. Press.

DOI: 10.1017/CBO9780511806285

Written by a philosopher of science, this book explores the epistemological underpinnings of evolutionary theory and flaws in creationist arguments based on intelligent design.

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Understanding Evolution

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Evidencias de la Evolución: La ciencia de la evolución

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• UC Museum of Paleontology

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Time: 30-40 minutes

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Similarities and differences: Understanding homology and convergent evolution

• Online activity or lab

Time: 30 minutes

This interactive investigation explains what homologies are, how to recognize them, and how convergent traits evolve.

Lines of evidence: The science of evolution

The theory of evolution is broadly accepted by scientists — and for good reason! Learn about the diverse and numerous lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution.

Evo in the news: What has the head of a crocodile and the gills of a fish?

• Evo in the News article

Time: 15 minutes

This news brief, from May 2006, reviews what is likely to be the most important fossil find of the year: Tiktaalik helps us understand how our own ancestors crawled out of the water and began to walk on dry land.

Born to Run: Artificial Selection Lab

• Garland, Theodore
• Classroom activity

Time: Four 45-minute periods

Students are introduced to the field of experimental evolution by evaluating skeletal changes in mice that have been artificially selected over many generations for the behavioral trait of voluntary exercise wheel running.

Webcast: Fossils, genes, and embryos

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In lecture three of a four part series, evolutionary biologist David Kingsley examines the original objections to Darwin's theory and shows how modern evidence supports the theory.

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How Did Cockroaches Reach Global Domination?

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New ‘Chicken from Hell’ Discovered

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Robotic Dinosaur Tests How Dinos (and Birds) Got Wings

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A Comic Guide to the Evolution of Ancient Cells into Complex Brains

“The anus was a prerequisite for intelligence” said one biologist

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How Does the World’s Largest Seabird Know Where to Fly?

Wandering albatrosses navigate thousands of miles using “the voice of the sea.”

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Did Neurons Evolve Twice?

Tracing the history of the earliest animals offers clues to whether the birth of the neuron was a one-time event

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The 6 Most Intriguing Things We Learned about Pet Cats and Dogs This Year

In 2023 we learned that cats really are choosing to ignore humans and that—despite dogs getting all the glory when it comes to retrieving prowess—cats want to play fetch, too

Lori Youmshajekian

Eyeless Cave Spiders Can Still ‘See’ the Light

Some species of cave-dwelling spiders lack eyes but still maintain the ability to sense light, which likely protects them from the arid environments at the sunny mouths of caves

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Charles Darwin: Evolution Theory Essay

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Evolution theory explains about the history and origin of life. Scientists of the early age tried to explain the origin of life but they did not have any theories that could support their thoughts. The reigning paradigm at that time was the, “Natural theology”. The naturalist of the time believed that everything in the world had a key role in the economic of nature and the credit was given to an intelligent creator. In 1809 a French scientist Jean Larmarck came up with the first mechanism of evolution which he called “The inheritance of acquired characteristics.” Using the salamanders to explain his theory, he argued that salamanders lived in grassland making it very hard to make use of their short legs. With time the leg muscles became wasted due to lack of usage. They eventually passed this trait to their offspring and thus the emergence of legless salamanders by the virtue of inheriting the characteristic of having no legs. This theory did not stand the test of time as he did not present any experimental evidence and as result his theory collapsed (Freeman 24).

Charles Darwin born on February 12, 1809 in England became the most famous scientist for his theories of evolution. His first profession was medicine which he found hard to cope with. One major reason that made Darwin become more interested in life is his health condition where he suffered from sea sickness. As he grew up, he was a good reader of nature books and he spent most of his time exploring the environment around him collecting samples of plants and insects. Like all scientist he believed that life originated from a common ancestor gradually over millions of years (Darwin 3).

Darwin served as a naturalist on a British science expedition from 1831 to 1836. In 1831, he embarked on a journey to South America to carry out surveying work. In his trip, he read “Principles of geology,” by Charles Lyell which made him become interested in land forms (Darwin 10). He observed the aftermath of earth quakes and also the fossil shells of marine organisms. He supported the idea of Lyell that over time, earth quakes and Geologic processes would change land forms. He also realized that the species on the land had to adapt to this changes. He explored remote regions where he collected and recorded notes on plants, animals and fossils of extinct animals that were similar to modern species. As the expedition extended to different places, Darwin kept on collecting samples for further studies. It was in the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean that he noticed variations among plants and animals of the same type as those he had observed in South America.

In 1836, he returned to England where he spent considerable time conducting research and analysis on the samples that he had collected. Charles had collected finches from the Galapagos Island for his experiment. This helped him to form the ideas on natural selection. He sent this specimen to a bird’s specialist who reported that he had collected 13 similar but separate species of finches. (Darwin 20).

He observed that birds of this island were different from birds of another island in respect to the beak shape, the source of food and how it was captured. He discovered that this was as a result of the different environments the birds lived in. Birds in the different environments had variances in the shape and the size of their beak.

These variances were based on the kind of foods that the birds were feeding on. The birds had to adapt to their new environments and gradually they changed automatically in such a way that they were able to feed and reproduce. (Darwin 26).

Birds that had beaks suited for eating cactus survived in the arid areas while the ones that had beaks suited for nectar survived in different environment. Studies on the fossils that he had collected led to the classification of the remains of extinct mammals. He spent several years looking for evidence on his fossil record. His experiment involved fossils of different ages and he observed that fossils of relative ages were closely related than fossils of other relative ages. He compared the homologous structures, vestical organs and embryological developments of living species. He observed the changes in the domestic animal and plant breeds besides his personal breeds and experiments on seed dispersal.

In reference to the similarities observed in the finches, Darwin concluded that they had a common ancestor. The similarities between the fossils of the mammals and the modern mammals led him to believe that species changed overtime. (Freeman 34).

He observed that evolution actually occurred and that it was gradual over a long period of time. He also observed that evolution mechanism occurred through a process of natural section and that the different species today originated from one ancestor through a branching process called speciation. He noticed that in the process of natural selection, the animals or plants with characteristics best suited to their environment were more likely to survive and reproduce while the weak ones became extinct. He called this survival for the fittest. The desirable characteristics were passed on to the offspring and with time, they became common and this brought change to the species. If these changes were strong and dominant then they could produce a new species.

In 1938, Charles read, “The Essay on the principle of population” by Thomas Malthus (Darwin 16). The ideas of Malthus influenced Darwin in how the populations competed for resources in order to survive. Resources are scarce and the population therefore had to compete for them. Competition meant that the weak species would die making the individuals with advantageous variations to survive and reproduce.

In 1959, Charles Darwin published his theory to explain the origin of life in the entire human, animal and the plant species in a book he called, “The origin of species”( Freeman 28). His paradigm of natural selection depicts that life came from one common ancestor and it is also related.

This theory argues that life developed from non-life through a process of natural selection. The process of natural selection explains that complex creatures evolve from simple creatures over time, by the preservation of advantageous mutations that guarantee survival. (Darwin 30).

Complex organs are formed following numerous successful slight modifications. As the process of natural selection progresses, the inferior species are faced out.

Charles believed that variations were not as result of the environment but that they were already inexistence. Nature selected unconsciously individuals and plants suited for its conditions. In the natural process, the favorable traits in the species are passed on to the other generations through reproduction.

In summary, the process of evolution according to Darwin is characterized by variations in every population; species have to compete for the scarce resources, the species reproduce offspring with traits suitable for survival, the offspring bear genetic traits and that survival and reproduction is based on the natural selection (Darwin 46).

Darwin’s theory was faced with challenges. His paradigm was followed by opposing paradigms such as the interpretation by the religious bodies. It was met with mixed reactions especially by the religious bodies who believed that life was as a result of God’s creation as explained in Bible in the book of genesis. The theory therefore suggested that God had not created perfect creatures in the beginning. The idea of changes in the species collided with the Christian faith where humans had a special place in the world and superior to all other living things (Darwin 40). This brought the paradigm of, “Intelligent design”. This paradigm tries to link science and theology. The intellectual movement tries to challenge the naturalistic evolutionary theories by trying to bring understanding of the divine action. This paradigm brings to surface why the significance of miracles should be considered in evolution and also points out he questions that were not addresses in the natural theology.

Darwin unlike his predecessors brought forth a contribution that had gathered indisputable evidence. This theory overshadowed believes that life came from ancestral Gods. Darwin was able to accompany his theory with tested experiments which supported his studies a great deal. Many scientists became convinced that life was as a result of natural selection. This theory is still relied upon by the modern scientist (Freeman 48).

Charles Darwin. The Origin of the Species By Means Of Natural Selection .Uk John Murray: 1959 , (03-48).

Darwin’s theory of evolution. Web.

Derek Freeman. The evolutionary Theories of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer . London: Taylor $Francis, Vol 15, 1974 (24-55).

• Darwin on the Origin of Species
• "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin
• Charles Darwin's Scientific Works and Their Importance
• Future of Human Species: Oliver Curry’s Research Review
• Hominoid Evolution: Intelligence and Communication
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• Musical Expression and Sexual Selection
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• Introduction to Human Evolution

Human evolution

Human evolution is the lengthy process of change by which people originated from apelike ancestors. Scientific evidence shows that the physical and behavioral traits shared by all people originated from apelike ancestors and evolved over a period of approximately six million years.

One of the earliest defining human traits, bipedalism -- the ability to walk on two legs -- evolved over 4 million years ago. Other important human characteristics -- such as a large and complex brain, the ability to make and use tools, and the capacity for language -- developed more recently. Many advanced traits -- including complex symbolic expression, art, and elaborate cultural diversity -- emerged mainly during the past 100,000 years.

Humans are primates. Physical and genetic similarities show that the modern human species, Homo sapiens , has a very close relationship to another group of primate species, the apes. Humans and the great apes (large apes) of Africa -- chimpanzees (including bonobos, or so-called “pygmy chimpanzees”) and gorillas -- share a common ancestor that lived between 8 and 6 million years ago. Humans first evolved in Africa, and much of human evolution occurred on that continent. The fossils of early humans who lived between 6 and 2 million years ago come entirely from Africa.

Most scientists currently recognize some 15 to 20 different species of early humans. Scientists do not all agree, however, about how these species are related or which ones simply died out. Many early human species -- certainly the majority of them – left no living descendants. Scientists also debate over how to identify and classify particular species of early humans, and about what factors influenced the evolution and extinction of each species.

Early humans first migrated out of Africa into Asia probably between 2 million and 1.8 million years ago. They entered Europe somewhat later, between 1.5 million and 1 million years. Species of modern humans populated many parts of the world much later. For instance, people first came to Australia probably within the past 60,000 years and to the Americas within the past 30,000 years or so. The beginnings of agriculture and the rise of the first civilizations occurred within the past 12,000 years.

Paleoanthropology

Paleoanthropology is the scientific study of human evolution. Paleoanthropology is a subfield of anthropology, the study of human culture, society, and biology. The field involves an understanding of the similarities and differences between humans and other species in their genes, body form, physiology, and behavior. Paleoanthropologists search for the roots of human physical traits and behavior. They seek to discover how evolution has shaped the potentials, tendencies, and limitations of all people. For many people, paleoanthropology is an exciting scientific field because it investigates the origin, over millions of years, of the universal and defining traits of our species. However, some people find the concept of human evolution troubling because it can seem not to fit with religious and other traditional beliefs about how people, other living things, and the world came to be. Nevertheless, many people have come to reconcile their beliefs with the scientific evidence.

Early human fossils and archeological remains offer the most important clues about this ancient past. These remains include bones, tools and any other evidence (such as footprints, evidence of hearths, or butchery marks on animal bones) left by earlier people. Usually, the remains were buried and preserved naturally. They are then found either on the surface (exposed by rain, rivers, and wind erosion) or by digging in the ground. By studying fossilized bones, scientists learn about the physical appearance of earlier humans and how it changed. Bone size, shape, and markings left by muscles tell us how those predecessors moved around, held tools, and how the size of their brains changed over a long time. Archeological evidence refers to the things earlier people made and the places where scientists find them. By studying this type of evidence, archeologists can understand how early humans made and used tools and lived in their environments.

The process of evolution

The process of evolution involves a series of natural changes that cause species (populations of different organisms) to arise, adapt to the environment, and become extinct. All species or organisms have originated through the process of biological evolution. In animals that reproduce sexually, including humans, the term species refers to a group whose adult members regularly interbreed, resulting in fertile offspring -- that is, offspring themselves capable of reproducing. Scientists classify each species with a unique, two-part scientific name. In this system, modern humans are classified as Homo sapiens .

Evolution occurs when there is change in the genetic material -- the chemical molecule, DNA -- which is inherited from the parents, and especially in the proportions of different genes in a population. Genes represent the segments of DNA that provide the chemical code for producing proteins. Information contained in the DNA can change by a process known as mutation. The way particular genes are expressed – that is, how they influence the body or behavior of an organism -- can also change. Genes affect how the body and behavior of an organism develop during its life, and this is why genetically inherited characteristics can influence the likelihood of an organism’s survival and reproduction.

Evolution does not change any single individual. Instead, it changes the inherited means of growth and development that typify a population (a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular habitat). Parents pass adaptive genetic changes to their offspring, and ultimately these changes become common throughout a population. As a result, the offspring inherit those genetic characteristics that enhance their chances of survival and ability to give birth, which may work well until the environment changes. Over time, genetic change can alter a species' overall way of life, such as what it eats, how it grows, and where it can live. Human evolution took place as new genetic variations in early ancestor populations favored new abilities to adapt to environmental change and so altered the human way of life.

Dr. Rick Potts provides a video short introduction to some of the evidence for human evolution, in the form of fossils and artifacts.

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Essays on Evolution

What makes a good evolution essay topics.

When it comes to writing an essay on evolution, choosing a good topic is crucial. A captivating and thought-provoking topic can make the difference between an average essay and an outstanding one. But what exactly makes a good evolution essay topic? Here are some recommendations on how to brainstorm and choose an essay topic, what to consider, and What Makes a Good essay topic.

When brainstorming for evolution essay topics, it's important to consider your own interests and passions. What aspects of evolution fascinate you the most? Are you interested in the history of evolutionary theory, the role of genetics in evolution, or the impact of evolution on modern society? By starting with what interests you, you're more likely to come up with a topic that you're excited to explore and write about.

Another important consideration when choosing an evolution essay topic is relevance. Is the topic timely and significant in the context of current scientific and societal discussions? For example, you might want to explore the ethical implications of genetic engineering in the context of evolution, or the impact of climate change on evolutionary processes. Choosing a relevant topic will not only make your essay more engaging, but also demonstrate your understanding of the importance of evolution in today's world.

In addition, a good evolution essay topic should be specific and focused. Instead of choosing a broad topic like "The Theory of Evolution," consider narrowing it down to something more specific, such as "The Role of Natural Selection in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance." A specific topic allows you to delve deeper into the subject matter and provide a more nuanced analysis, rather than skimming the surface of a broad topic.

Overall, a good evolution essay topic should be interesting, relevant, and specific. By considering these factors when brainstorming and choosing a topic, you can ensure that your essay will be engaging and impactful.

Best Evolution Essay Topics

If you're looking for inspiration for your evolution essay, here are some standout topics that are sure to captivate your readers:

• The Impact of Human Activity on Evolutionary Processes
• Evolutionary Implications of CRISPR Gene Editing Technology
• The Evolution of Communication in Non-Human Species
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality
• The Role of Epigenetics in Evolutionary Adaptation
• Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
• The Evolution of Virulence in Pathogenic Microorganisms
• Evolutionary Origins of Language and Symbolic Thought
• Evolutionary Implications of Extinction and Biodiversity Loss
• The Evolutionary Arms Race Between Predators and Prey
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Aging and Longevity
• The Evolution of Social Hierarchies in Animal Groups
• Cultural Evolution in Human Societies
• Evolutionary Factors in the Development of Drug Resistance
• Evolutionary Considerations in Conservation Biology
• The Evolution of Parental Care and Family Structures
• Evolutionary Implications of Climate Change
• The Role of Sexual Selection in Evolutionary Change
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Migration and Dispersal
• Evolutionary Insights into the Origins of Life on Earth

These topics are not only creative and unique, but also offer ample opportunities for in-depth exploration and analysis. Whether you're interested in genetics, ecology, anthropology, or psychology, there's a topic on this list that's sure to pique your interest.

Evolution essay topics Prompts

Now that you have some great evolution essay topics to choose from, here are a few creative prompts to help you get started on your essay:

• Imagine a world where humans have evolved to live underwater. What evolutionary adaptations would be necessary for this to occur, and how would it impact human society?
• Explore the evolutionary history of a specific species, such as the polar bear or the monarch butterfly. What can the evolutionary journey of this species tell us about the broader processes of evolution?
• Consider the role of evolutionary theory in shaping public policy and societal beliefs. How can an understanding of evolution inform our approach to issues such as healthcare, education, and environmental conservation?
• Investigate the concept of "evolutionary mismatch" - instances where modern environments and lifestyles are at odds with our evolutionary history. What are the implications of evolutionary mismatch for human health and well-being?
• Reflect on the ethical implications of human intervention in evolutionary processes, such as genetic engineering and artificial selection. How can we balance the potential benefits of these interventions with their potential risks and consequences?

These prompts are designed to spark your creativity and encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to writing about evolution. Feel free to take these prompts in any direction that inspires you, and don't be afraid to explore unconventional ideas and perspectives.

Choosing a good evolution essay topic is essential for crafting an engaging and impactful essay. By considering your interests, relevance, and specificity, you can narrow down your options and select a topic that will inspire your writing and captivate your readers. With these standout essay topics and creative prompts, you're well-equipped to embark on a fascinating exploration of evolutionary science.

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What Is Evolution?

A Brief Overview of the History and Concepts of Evolution

• History Of Life On Earth
• Human Evolution
• Natural Selection
• Evolution Scientists
• The Evidence For Evolution
• Habitat Profiles
• Marine Life
• M.A., Technological Teaching and Learning, Ashford University
• B.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cornell University

The theory of evolution is a scientific theory that essentially states that species change over time. There are many different ways species change, but most of them can be described by the idea of natural selection . The theory of evolution through natural selection was the first scientific theory that put together evidence of change through time as well as a mechanism for how it happens.

History of the Theory of Evolution

The idea that traits are passed down from parents to offspring has been around since the ancient Greek philosophers' time. In the middle 1700s, Carolus Linnaeus came up with his taxonomic naming system, which grouped like species together and implied there was an evolutionary connection between species within the same group.

The late 1700s saw the first theories that species changed over time. Scientists like the Comte de Buffon and Charles Darwin's grandfather, Erasmus Darwin , both proposed that species changed over time, but neither man could explain how or why they changed. They also kept their ideas under wraps due to how controversial the thoughts were compared to accepted religious views at the time.

John Baptiste Lamarck , a student of the Comte de Buffon, was the first to publicly state species changed over time. However, part of his theory was incorrect. Lamarck proposed that acquired traits were passed down to offspring. Georges Cuvier was able to prove that part of the theory incorrect, but he also had evidence that there were once living species that had evolved and gone extinct.

Cuvier believed in catastrophism, meaning these changes and extinctions in nature happened suddenly and violently. James Hutton and Charles Lyell countered Cuvier's argument with the idea of uniformitarianism. This theory said changes happen slowly and accumulate over time.

Darwin and Natural Selection

Sometimes called "survival of the fittest," natural selection was most famously explained by Charles Darwin in his book On the Origin of Species . In the book, Darwin proposed that individuals with traits most suitable to their environments lived long enough to reproduce and passed down those desirable traits to their offspring. If an individual had less than favorable traits, they would die and not pass on those traits. Over time, only the "fittest" traits of the species survived. Eventually, after enough time passed, these small adaptations would add up to create new species. These changes are precisely what makes us human . 

Darwin was not the only person to come up with this idea at that time. Alfred Russel Wallace also had evidence and came to the same conclusions as Darwin around the same time. They collaborated for a short time and jointly presented their findings. Armed with evidence from all over the world due to their various travels, Darwin and Wallace received favorable responses in the scientific community about their ideas. The partnership ended when Darwin published his book.

One very important part of the theory of evolution through natural selection is the understanding that individuals cannot evolve; they can only adapt to their environments. Those adaptations add up over time and, eventually, the entire species has evolved from what it was like earlier. This can lead to new species forming and sometimes extinction of older species.

Evidence for Evolution

There are many pieces of evidence that support the theory of evolution. Darwin relied on the similar anatomies of species to link them. He also had some fossil evidence that showed slight changes in the body structure of the species over time, often leading to vestigial structures . Of course, the fossil record is incomplete and has "missing links." With today's technology, there are many other types of evidence for evolution. This includes similarities in the embryos of different species, the same DNA sequences found across all species, and an understanding of how DNA mutations  work in microevolution. More fossil evidence has also been found since Darwin's time, although there are still many gaps in the fossil record .

The Theory of Evolution Controversy

Today, the theory of evolution is often portrayed in the media as a controversial subject. Primate evolution and the idea that humans evolved from monkeys has been a major point of friction between scientific and religious communities. Politicians and court decisions have debated whether or not schools should teach evolution or if they should also teach alternate points of view like intelligent design or creationism.

The State of Tennessee v. Scopes, or the Scopes "Monkey" Trial , was a famous court battle over teaching evolution in the classroom. In 1925, a substitute teacher named John Scopes was arrested for illegally teaching evolution in a Tennessee science class. This was the first major court battle over evolution, and it brought attention to a formerly taboo subject.

The Theory of Evolution in Biology

The theory of evolution is often seen as the main overarching theme that ties all topics of biology together. It includes genetics, population biology, anatomy and physiology, and embryology, among others. While the theory has itself evolved and expanded over time, the principles laid out by Darwin in the 1800s still hold true today.

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Evolution and Natural Selection: Distinctions and Connections

This essay is about the concepts of evolution and natural selection, explaining their distinctions and connections. Evolution refers to the changes in the genetic makeup of populations over time, while natural selection is a mechanism that drives this process by favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction. The essay discusses how mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow contribute to evolution, with natural selection being the most visible mechanism. Examples such as antibiotic resistance and the peppered moth illustrate these concepts. The essay underscores the importance of understanding these mechanisms to appreciate the complexity and dynamic nature of biological change.

How it works

The principles of metamorphosis and innate selection serve as pivotal tenets within the realm of biology, elucidating the astonishing spectrum of life that currently thrives upon our terrestrial sphere. Although frequently mentioned in tandem, they represent distinct facets of biological phenomenon. Metamorphosis delineates the expansive process through which species undergo transformation over successive epochs. Conversely, innate selection emerges as a principal mechanism propelling this transformative odyssey. To fully comprehend the nuances of life’s evolution, an appreciation of the intricate interplay between these concepts becomes imperative.

In delving into the realm of metamorphosis, we encounter the vicissitudes in the hereditary blueprint of populations across successive generations. These fluctuations can engender the genesis of novel species while simultaneously sounding the death knell for others. It’s a sweeping concept encompassing myriad mechanisms such as genetic alteration, gene dispersion, genetic meandering, and innate selection. Each of these elements exerts a distinct influence upon the evolutionary tapestry, yet innate selection stands forth as particularly conspicuous due to its direct correlation with the adaptive responses of organisms to their surroundings.

The advent of innate selection was first elucidated by the erudite Charles Darwin. In its essence, innate selection denotes the mechanism wherein entities bearing traits that afford them a superior fit within their environment stand a higher chance of survival and procreation. These advantageous traits then perpetuate down successive generations. Envision a populace of beetles wherein a fraction is hued green while the remainder dons a brown hue. Should avian predators find it easier to discern the green-hued beetles amidst the verdant forest floor, the green-hued ones are liable to succumb to predation. Consequently, the brown-hued beetles, being better concealed, endure longer and beget more offspring. Over time, the populace shall witness a preponderance of brown-hued beetles. This exemplifies the workings of innate selection.

Viewed metaphorically, metamorphosis unfolds akin to a meandering journey while innate selection emerges as one of the traversed routes. Metamorphosis denotes the overarching process of evolution and development over time, whereas innate selection represents a specific trajectory sculpted by environmental exigencies that steer the course of transformation. This analogy serves to elucidate why innate selection is frequently equated with metamorphosis despite being a mere component of the broader phenomenon.

Mutations represent another pivotal facet of metamorphosis. These alterations in the DNA sequence hold the potential to infuse novel genetic permutations into a populace. Mutations may prove beneficial, detrimental, or neutral in their impact. Beneficial mutations confer upon organisms a survival edge. For instance, a mutation might confer upon a plant resistance to a specific ailment. Should this mutation furnish a notable advantage, the plant stands a greater chance of surviving and reproducing, disseminating the mutation throughout the populace. Subsequently, innate selection may act upon this mutation, augmenting its prevalence across successive generations.

However, not all evolutionary shifts are dictated by innate selection. Genetic meandering, for instance, pertains to stochastic alterations in the prevalence of alleles (distinct variants of a gene) within a populace. This phenomenon can exert significant ramifications, particularly within diminutive populations. Contemplate a populace of lagomorphs wherein a handful by happenstance harbor a rare allele. Were a sudden tempest to decimate a majority of the populace indiscriminately, the frequencies of alleles within the survivors might undergo a drastic upheaval, not on account of any intrinsic advantage but sheer happenstance. This embodies the workings of genetic meandering.

Gene dispersion represents yet another mechanism of metamorphosis and encompasses the transference of genetic material amidst distinct populations. This may introduce novel alleles into a populace, augmenting genetic diversity and potentially reshaping evolutionary trajectories. Should individuals from one populace of avians emigrate to another and crossbreed, they impart an amalgam of genetic material. This can culminate in novel amalgams of traits within the recipient populace, upon which innate selection may then operate. This phenomenon of genetic flux between populations serves to sustain diversity within species and may precipitate novel evolutionary trajectories.

A comprehension of these disparate mechanisms underscores the labyrinthine nature of metamorphosis. Innate selection frequently occupies the forefront owing to its manifest association with survival and procreative success. However, the confluence of mutation, genetic meandering, and gene dispersion profoundly shape the metamorphic process. This interaction underscores the non-linear and heterogeneous nature of metamorphosis.

The dichotomy between metamorphosis and innate selection assumes paramount significance in comprehending the entirety of biological transmutation. Whilst innate selection expounds upon the ascendancy of certain traits owing to environmental pressures, metamorphosis encapsulates the broad spectrum of genetic alterations across time. This expansive purview proves indispensable in deciphering phenomena such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the emergence of novel species, and the acclimatization of organisms to shifting environs.

Consider, for instance, the paradigm of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Upon exposure to antibiotics, a bacterial populace may witness the annihilation of the majority, albeit a fraction may harbor stochastic mutations rendering them impervious to the drug. These resistant bacteria survive and propagate, transmitting the resistance trait to ensuing generations. Over time, the populace metamorphoses to harbor augmented resistance to the antibiotic. This constitutes a palpable instance of innate selection steering metamorphic change, as the environmental impetus of antibiotics selects for resistant entities.

Speciation, the genesis of novel species, emerges as another riveting facet of metamorphosis. It frequently transpires when distinct populations of a species become geographically segregated, impeding gene dispersion between them. Across time, the genetic disparities between the isolated populations may burgeon to such an extent that interbreeding becomes untenable, notwithstanding subsequent recontact. This process may be propelled by myriad factors including innate selection, genetic meandering, and mutations. The upshot is the advent of novel species, each tailored to its distinct milieu.

The adaptation to shifting environs constitutes an ongoing process within metamorphosis. As habitats undergo metamorphoses, whether by natural vicissitudes or human interventions, species must adapt to endure. Such adaptation may entail alterations in behavior, physiology, or morphology. For instance, polar bears have evolved dense fur and adipose deposits to weather the frigid climes of the Arctic. Should climate shifts engender pronounced warming in the Arctic, polar bears must adapt to the altered milieu or risk extirpation. Innate selection would favor entities harboring traits better suited to the fresh milieu, thereby precipitating metamorphic change within the populace.

The saga of the peppered moth amid the Industrial Revolution in England offers a quintessential illustration of adaptation via innate selection. Ere industrialization, the majority of peppered moths sported pale hues, affording them seamless camouflage amidst lichen-clad trees. Nonetheless, as industrial effluvia decimated lichens and sooted the bark, moths donning darker hues enjoyed a survival advantage owing to enhanced concealment against predators. The populace of peppered moths transitioned from predominantly pale to overwhelmingly dark-hued in response to the altered environment, thus illustrating the workings of innate selection.

In summation, whilst metamorphosis and innate selection stand inextricably linked, they epitomize distinct facets of the overarching phenomenon. Metamorphosis embodies the sweeping pattern of genetic metamorphosis within populations across time, enshrining diverse mechanisms. Innate selection, conversely, constitutes a specific mechanism impelling metamorphic change by favoring entities endowed with advantageous traits. Discerning this dichotomy fosters a profound comprehension of life’s evolution, adaptation, and diversification. Through the lens of these concepts, we glean insight into the labyrinthine and dynamic nature of the natural world.

By assimilating these mechanisms, we unravel the annals of life’s past and present whilst prognosticating its future trajectory. The scrutiny of metamorphosis and innate selection not only unveils life’s historical tapestry but also informs conservation endeavors, biomedical inquiries, and our comprehension of life’s prospective trajectory amidst ongoing environmental exigencies. The ceaseless interplay of genetic variation, environmental constraints, and the inexorable passage of time continues to sculpt the living fabric in manners both subtle and profound.

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Evolution Essay

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Evolution Essay

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Theory of Evolution essay

Evolution as defined in biology, the continual process by which one form of life changes, or evolves, into another form. Some religious groups deny that evolution exists, but most scientists accept it as fact. The theory of evolution suggests that all plants and animals descended from one or several kinds of simple organisms. It also explains why there are so many different kinds of plants and animals. The inherited characteristics of nearly all living things change from generation to generation. In most cases, this change is so gradual that it is noticeable only after many years.

Eventually the accumulated changes may become so great that the descendant bears little likeness to its remote ancestor and may belong to different species. II. Discussion A. How evolution takes place? Natural selection. There are more plants and animals produced than can possibly survive, because there is not enough space and food to support them. The result is competition between living organisms in the struggle for survival. The individuals in each group are not all exactly alike. They have varying characteristics, and these variations may either help or hinder them in their struggle to live.

Organisms become extinct and die out, if they do not have enough of the kind of characteristic that enable them to get sufficient food and other necessities to withstand the climate, or to compete successfully with other forms of life. Mutation. To explain how plants and animals develop variations, biologists turn to genetics, the science of heredity. Genetics shows that characteristics are passed from parents to offspring by means of genes. When a gene is altered in anyway, the offspring acquires a new characteristic not possessed by either parent. This change in the genes is called mutation.

Sexual Recombination. The combining of genes from two parents is called sexual recombination and controls the rate at which variations occur. It permits enough variation to allow progressive evolution but not so much variation that the changes would be chaotic. The survival value of recombination is indicated by the fact that the large majority of plants and animals produce sexually. Isolation. New species of plants and animals can appear only when a genetically distinctive population is prevented from exchanging genes with closely related populations.

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Geographic isolation, or the separation of related groups by some kind of physical barrier such as mountain or desert, is the most usual type. Genetic isolation is the inability of the members of two related groups to bear fertile offspring when mated. B. History of the Theory of Evolution Many ancient myths were attempts to explain how the various plants and animals were created. Thales suggested that all life came from water. Aristotle believed that living things could arise out of non-living matter, and that more complex forms of life probably arose from simpler forms.

With spread of Christianity, men throughout the Western World accepted the story of Creation as told in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. For hundreds of years no further scientific though was devoted to the origin of life. By the 18th century scientists had again begun to investigate the development of living things. George Louis Buffon thought that environment acted directly to change the structure of plants and animals. Erasmus Darwin and Jean Baptiste Lamarck each advanced the now discredited theory that organisms inherit adaptations acquired during the lifetime of their parents.

The basis for the modern theory of evolution was formulated independently by Charles Darwin, grandson of Erasmus Darwin, and by Alfred Russel Wallace. They introduced their ideas about natural selection in joint papers read to a London learned society in 1858. Darwin’s Origin of Species in 18599, made the theory very famous. The Darwin- Wallace theory was incomplete, however, because neither man knew much about genetics. Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of heredity in the 1860’s, but his findings were neglected until 1900.

In 1937 the theories of natural selection and genetic variability were fused by Theodozius Dobhanzsky, a Russian born American biologist, in Genetics and Origin of Species. Dobhanzsky’s theory, called the Synthetic Theory, states that evolution is a two- step process. In the first step, genetic variations occur through mutations or by a chance combination of inherited genes. In the second step, desirable variations—those that produce traits that help the organism survive—are passed on to the next generation and become permanently established in the species.

When the theory of evolution first came to public attention in 1859 it was met with a storm protest and ridicule. Some people, misinterpreting the theory, thought it claimed that man was descended from apes. One religious objection to evolution was that it conflicted with the story of Creation as told in Genesis. In the United States some states passed laws making it illegal to teach evolution in public schools. Most religious denominations now accept the theory, but in varying degrees. Some see no conflict between evolution and theology.

Others accept the theory only as an unproved hypothesis still others accept only those parts that do not apply to man. A theory called Scientific Creationism states that scientific evidence points not to man’s evolution from lower species but to his creation by some external power or intelligence.

References: 1. Benton, Michael. The Story of Life on Earth. Watts, 1986. 2. Stein, Sara. The Evolution Book: the Story of 4000 Million Years of Life on Earth. Workman, 1986. 3. Whitcomb, J. C. , and H. M. Morris. The Genesis Flood: the Biblical Record and its Scientific Implications. Presbyterian & Reformed, 1982.