Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection

Definition

Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection is the scientific explanation for how species evolve over time through a process where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This theory connects to significant intellectual shifts in the 19th century, influencing ideas about biology, society, and the implications of evolutionary thought in various fields.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Darwin's landmark work, 'On the Origin of Species,' published in 1859, outlined the principles of natural selection and provided evidence from various fields such as geology, paleontology, and biogeography.
2. Natural selection operates on variations within populations, where genetic mutations create differences that can affect an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.
3. The theory challenged traditional views of creation and sparked debates over religion, science, and philosophy during the Victorian era.
4. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures that can lead to adaptation, speciation, or extinction over long periods.
5. The implications of Darwin's theory extended beyond biology, influencing various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and even politics through the emergence of Social Darwinism.

Review Questions

• How did Darwin's theory of natural selection challenge existing beliefs about the origins of life and species?
  • Darwin's theory of natural selection presented a scientific explanation for the diversity of life that contradicted traditional creationist views. By proposing that species evolved through gradual changes driven by environmental pressures rather than being created in their current forms, Darwin opened up new discussions about the mechanisms behind biological diversity. This shift fundamentally altered how people understood their place in the natural world and spurred a reevaluation of religious beliefs regarding creation.
• Discuss how Darwin's ideas influenced social theories during the late 19th century, particularly Social Darwinism.
  • Darwin's theories provided a framework for various social theories that emerged in the late 19th century, notably Social Darwinism. Proponents of Social Darwinism misapplied concepts like 'survival of the fittest' to justify social hierarchies and inequalities, suggesting that certain races or classes were naturally superior. This interpretation used biological concepts to rationalize imperialism, colonialism, and class disparities, influencing political ideologies and policies during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Darwin's theory on both science and society throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • The long-term impact of Darwin's theory on science was profound, as it laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology and genetics. It reshaped scientific inquiry by promoting an understanding of species as dynamic entities influenced by environmental factors. In society, Darwin's ideas provoked ongoing debates about ethics, morality, and human behavior, with implications for social policy and education. The evolution of these discussions revealed tensions between scientific advancement and traditional beliefs, shaping cultural narratives about humanity’s role within nature.

Related terms

Survival of the fittest: A phrase often associated with natural selection that suggests that only those organisms best adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce.

Evolution: The gradual development of organisms over generations, resulting in changes in traits within a population that can lead to new species.

Social Darwinism: A social theory that misapplies Darwinian concepts to justify social inequality, suggesting that social progress results from the competition among individuals and groups.