A Nice history of Evolutionary Thinking

Thread starter BillTre
Start date Aug 7, 2022
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History Thinking

In summary, evolution is the process by which living organisms change and diversify over time through natural selection. The concept of evolution has been around for centuries, but is most commonly associated with the work of Charles Darwin. Evolutionary thinking has changed significantly since its inception, with a greater focus on genetics and molecular biology. There is vast evidence from various fields of science that support the theory of evolution, but it is still a controversial topic for some individuals and groups. However, the overwhelming evidence and support from the scientific community make it a widely accepted concept.

Aug 7, 2022

BillTre

Science Advisor

Gold Member

This guy presents a nice quick history of where evolutionary thought came from, starting well before Darwin.
I thought it was nicely done.

Last edited: Aug 8, 2022

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Aug 22, 2022

pinball1970

Gold Member

BillTre said:

This guy presents a nice quick history of where evolutionary thought came from, starting well before Darwin.
I thought it was nicely done.

Yes and worth noting the geology and Scientific discussion that preceded Darwin.

FAQ: A Nice history of Evolutionary Thinking

What is evolution?

Evolution is the process by which different species of living organisms develop and change over time, typically through natural selection, genetic variation, and adaptation to their environment.

Who first proposed the concept of evolution?

The concept of evolution was first proposed by Charles Darwin in his book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. However, the idea of evolution had been discussed by other scientists before him, such as Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Alfred Russel Wallace.

How does natural selection contribute to evolution?

Natural selection is the process by which certain traits or characteristics become more or less common in a population over time. Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. This leads to changes in the genetic makeup of a population, which can result in evolution.

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

There is a vast amount of evidence from various fields of study that supports the theory of evolution. This includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryology, biogeography, and molecular biology. Additionally, the observation of natural selection in action, such as the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, provides further evidence for evolution.

Is evolution still a theory or has it been proven?

Evolution is both a theory and a fact. The theory of evolution explains the mechanisms by which species change over time, while the fact of evolution is supported by overwhelming evidence from various scientific disciplines. While there may still be gaps in our understanding of certain aspects of evolution, the evidence for it is undeniable.