The Theory of Evolution Essay Example
Running Head: EVOLUTION
The Theory of Evolution
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Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has been a topic of controversy since it was promulgated in the late 1800s. Nonetheless, its tenets remain strong, with many modern day scientists making discoveries that support Darwin’s theories of evolution, natural selection, and survival of the fittest.
In The Origin of Species, Darwin calls the process of natural selection or survival of the fittest, the preservation of favorable individual differences and variations, and the destruction of those, which are injurious (Darwin, 1901). Darwin’s theory of evolutionary change and process of natural selection surmises that variations exist in every population of species. Organisms compete for the limited resources available to them, and may produce more offspring that can naturally survive, therefore, only a few organisms are successful in leaving progeny. Each organism passes on genetic traits and characteristics to their offspring, and the organisms that inherit the most beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce (Darwin, 1901). Homologous traits are those found in different species that are structurally and functionally similar in nature and that arose through genetic ancestry. Those animals that have the greatest number of homologous traits are more closely related than those with fewer homologues (Water, Rethlingshafer, & Caldwell, 1960). Alternatively, analogous traits are structurally and functionally similar to one another, but did not come about through genetics, and have arisen independently on more than one occasion (Griffiths, 1997).
Behavioral traits evolve during various adaptations through mating, hunting, means of cooperation, and methods of escaping predators. This evolution takes place through changes in neural or brain mechanisms, hormonal changes, and patterns of learning, thereby revealing physiological and behavioral systems evolving in
The Theory of Evolution
By
Student’s Name
Name of University
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has been a topic of controversy since it was promulgated in the late 1800s. Nonetheless, its tenets remain strong, with many modern day scientists making discoveries that support Darwin’s theories of evolution, natural selection, and survival of the fittest.
In The Origin of Species, Darwin calls the process of natural selection or survival of the fittest, the preservation of favorable individual differences and variations, and the destruction of those, which are injurious (Darwin, 1901). Darwin’s theory of evolutionary change and process of natural selection surmises that variations exist in every population of species. Organisms compete for the limited resources available to them, and may produce more offspring that can naturally survive, therefore, only a few organisms are successful in leaving progeny. Each organism passes on genetic traits and characteristics to their offspring, and the organisms that inherit the most beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce (Darwin, 1901). Homologous traits are those found in different species that are structurally and functionally similar in nature and that arose through genetic ancestry. Those animals that have the greatest number of homologous traits are more closely related than those with fewer homologues (Water, Rethlingshafer, & Caldwell, 1960). Alternatively, analogous traits are structurally and functionally similar to one another, but did not come about through genetics, and have arisen independently on more than one occasion (Griffiths, 1997).
Behavioral traits evolve during various adaptations through mating, hunting, means of cooperation, and methods of escaping predators. This evolution takes place through changes in neural or brain mechanisms, hormonal changes, and patterns of learning, thereby revealing physiological and behavioral systems evolving in