Basic ideas of Charles Darwin's Evolution

When most people think of evolution the first thought that comes to mind is what in Darwin's time was known as transmutations: the idea that species convert in time and space (geographic location). Darwin did not develop this idea which had been around since the 18th century at least. Even the idea of humans being classified with the great apes was not Darwin's invention. However, in was the observations Darwin made on his voyage that first convinced him transmutation must have occurred. He observed living sloths, armadillos, tapirs and anteaters in the same geographic locations as he collected fossils of extinct, similar yet distinct versions of the same creatures. He also observed the blending of one species into other with changing location. On his voyage Darwin was struck by the way the common rhea was substituted by a different, smaller range of rhea the further south one went; this singular example of species changing with geography stood out in his mind. Why is it that two so similar yet confident species should be found living in adjacent regions? In Origin of Species Darwin described what he believed to be the most prominent mechanism by which transmutation occurs - natural selection. The basic concepts of natural choice are.

- There is an possible variability within the individuals of any species.
- These variations can be inherited via sexual reproduction
- Some individuals will have variations that give them an benefit in the singular environment in which they live. Given that organisms furnish more offspring than can survive, those with the most advantages are most likely to pass on these traits.

Darwins

This can in effect be more accurately described as 'survival of the best fit' rather than 'survival of the fittest'.

Basic ideas of Charles Darwin's Evolution

This thought of nature as a continuum extends to humans, meaning that humans are a part of nature. Does this leave humans no extra place at all and make us 'nothing but apes'? No. Humans may be in effect a type of ape, but I believe we are also an example of the universe becoming known and contemplating itself.

Basic ideas of Charles Darwin's Evolution

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