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Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

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Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

Darwin’s theory of evolution is based on three observations: First, individuals within a species vary from one another in morphology, physiology, and behavior. Second, variation is in some part inheritable so that variant forms have offspring that resemble them. Third, different variants leave different number of offspring. Darwin elaborates on the mechanism of evolution by suggesting that in the struggle for existence, nature selects those individuals who are best suited for the struggle, and these individuals in turn reproduce more than those who are less fit, therefore changing the composition of the population. Darwin also suggests, in addition to natural selection, that species evolve through the process of sexual selection. In sexual selection, one gender of a species develops a preference for individuals of the other gender who possess certain features. The individuals who possess these features will the have a reproductive advantage over others, resulting in a greater number of offspring, causing yet another change in the composition of the population. Darwin made the theory of evolution feasible by providing the mechanisms of natural selection and sexual selection. His observations led him to believe that species did adapt to their changing surroundings. As a result, he was led to defend a theory advancing the probability of common descent for all living creatures.

In The Origin of Species, Darwin analyzes the various issues regarding the theory of evolution through inherited variation, the struggle for existence, natural selection, laws of variation, instinct, hybridism, the geological record, extinction, and geographical distribution. The more he observed, the more evidence he found; the Earth must have slowly and gradually changed over time, giving plants and animals time to adapt to the changes.

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