5.3.3 natural selection

• Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection proposed that all species have evolved from simple life forms that first appeared on Earth more than three billion years ago
• Process of Natural Selection

  • genetic variation - different individual animals in a population have different combinations of genes
  • survival of the fittest - individuals best adapted to the environment will have a higher chance of survival
  • animals with the highest chance of survival will be more likely to breed (because they survive)
  • the best characteristics survive - traits are more likely to be passed onto the next generation
• Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution whilst aboard the HMS Beagle on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands. He built up evidence to support the theory of natural selection and in 1859 he published his ideas in "On the Origin of Species".
• At the time, Darwin's ideas were met with significant opposition from the scientific community. Some factors that contributed to the slow acceptance of his ideas were:

  • religion - natural selection challenged the idea that God created the natural world
  • inconclusive evidence
  • genes were yet to be discovered - Darwin was unable to suggest a method for the passing of characteristics between generations
• Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection challenged the common belief that God was the sole creator of the natural world.
• Who came up with the theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics?

  Lamarck