Charles Darwin: The Theory of Evolution

Evolution Theory: Evolution of Man

According to biology, the term ‘evolution’ has been defined as ‘the change in the inherited traits of a population from a generation to the next’. The idea is that these genetic traits are passed on to offspring during the process of reproduction. New traits enter the genetic pool when either a population migrates from one habitat (area) to another and adapts or a species reproduces with another species. During this process, the ‘final outcome’ species that manages to adapt by either means survives, whereas the unfit ones become extinct. This process is called Natural Selection.

The Theory of Evolution based on the process of Natural Selection was first propounded by Charles Darwin in his book ‘On the Origin of Species’ published in 1859. In that book Darwin also maintained that all the species have descended from a common genetic pool. This theory has formed the basis of modern biological thought which explains the diversity of life on Earth.

Darwin's Theory Of Evolution

Within the explanations of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution it has also been explained that the process of Natural Selection ensures that these genetic changes enhance the process of reproduction and they become more common from this generation to the next. Thus, many traits which are proved to be useful are passed on to the offspring. More offspring are produced so that this process can work and ensure that the surviving offspring are the ones which are best suited or adapted to the new habitat or environment.

Eventually, these Species begin to vie for survival amongst each other. Again, these natural processes of selection ensure that the one that is the fittest will survive. The species that cannot adapt or survive becomes extinct.

Several factors about a species tend to adapt during this process. These are height, weight, body hair and so on. Another trait that becomes important is the attractiveness of a species towards each other or another species for the purpose of ensuring potential reproductive partners. This is called Sexual Selection.

The process of Adaptation takes places slowly within a species. Modifying bone structures etc. is one such process. For example certain bones become useless and either disappear or remain in the process of disappearance. The tail bone present in human beings (or Homo Sapiens) is a good example of such a process.

Darwin’s Theory: The Controversy

Darwin’s theory and the successive theories after that which are based on the concept of Natural Selection have been subjected to several controversies.

Chief among the people against it are the Creationists which have a theological or religious basis for their arguments. They believe that a supernatural entity like God had a hand in creating man on Earth. Darwin’s theory therefore stands against their long held beliefs and systems of religious thought.

When Darwin first came out with his theory in 1859, he faced a lot of opposition from not just the religious community, but also from the scientific community. However, later experiments of other scientists in the field have revealed Darwin’s theories to be true.

The religious debate still continues.