Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
The Darwin Theory of Natural Selection has been a topic of controversy ever since it was first made. This theory states that life comes from a common ancestor. This means that simplistic creatures evolved into more complex ones. The process known as “natural selection” is when random genetic mutations occur within an organism’s genetic code and is continually passed down to the next generations therefore making the species more complex than it was to start out with. There are three types of natural selection. They are directional selection, stabilizing selection, and sexual selection.
The Darwin Theory of Natural Selection was first proposed in 1858 by a man by the name of Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin lived from 1809-1882 and was one of six children. Born in Shrewsbury, England his mother died when he was only eight years old. In 1825 at age 16, Darwin enrolled in Edinburgh University alongside his brother Erasmus. Two years later he was attending Christ’s College because his father hoped he would become a clergyman. While Darwin was attending Christ’s College he found a mentor. His mentor was botany professor John Stevens Henslow. After Darwin graduated from Christ’s College with a bachelor’s degree in theology in 1838, Henslow recommended him for a naturalist’s position aboard the HMS Beagle. On December 27, 1831 the HMS Beagle started its voyage around the world with Darwin aboard.
During the trip Darwin collected a whole variety of natural specimens, which included birds, plants, and fossils. He also had the opportunity to observe principles of botany, geology, and zoology. When Darwin returned to England in 1836 he began to write all about the things he found on his voyage in a “Journal of Researches”. This was later edited into the Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle. The trip had a huge impact on Darwin’s view of natural history. He then began to develop a revolutionary theory about the origin of living things that was...