Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, Essay Example

Introduction

There are considerably millions of creatures existing around the globe. Living in different habitats, these creatures are noted for their own characters and their own process of adapting to the environment they are living in. In relation to this matter, it could not be denied that scientists continue to discover new creations every now and then therefore suggesting that there are still many different species that continue being hidden within the great wonders of nature. In the aim of explaining how matters developed and how creatures emerged, several scientists like Charles Darwin tried to formulate a particular reason behind the existence of the different species found around the globe.

To explain how creatures existed, one of the most famous discussions Darwin presented is that of the Theory of Natural Selection. In this theory, Darwin points out the ability of creatures to adapt to an environment. Under this theory, he insists on the idea that a particular culture develops and as that specie changes its habitat [perhaps transfer from one habitat to another in search of both food and shelter], the same specie would be able to develop or under-develop parts that are necessary for their survival in the environment they have transferred in. Those species who are not able to contend with the adjustments die later on because they are not able to withstand the pressures of survival. This specific explanation serves as a basic foundation on pointing out how one specie has another specie that is close to its likeness existing on another habitat; these other species may have particular differences from the base specie, however they have very relative characteristics that could put them in the same category belonging to the same family. Further explanation about the applications and implications of the theory of natural selection in the modern society and how science views human existence shall be given particular attention to in the discussion that follows.

Principles Governing the Theory of Natural Selection

Discussed in this section are the different principles that govern the theory of natural selection as it explains the course of existence that different creatures are assumed to have followed through the years:

The Option of Choice

Gene mutation is one of the most important elements that define the existence of different species; according to scientists specifically believing on the theory of natural selection, the capacity of certain specie to survive in a particular environment is decided through gene mutation (Dawkins, 1996). Based from a particular specie, another group then starts to develop and because of gene mutation, a completely different specie emerges which has distinct characteristics that are different from the parent genes.

The Aspect of Fitness

What specie is most fit? As if suggesting the idea of survival of the fittest, natural selection manifests the fact that only those species that are able to adjust to the situation and the environment would be able to retain their population on earth. Survival means adjustments and adjustments means changes both on the behavioral and physical being of each individual creature (Gould, 1997). The categorization of animal families according to the closest characteristics that they share between each other specifically points out how one specie develops a particular characteristic and physical alterations while other members of the same animal family tend to lose the same body parts to be able to fit in the environment they are living in. For instance, an armadillo and an ant eater do have the same hard covering for the sake of being protected from the food or the creatures that they prey on (Jones, 2001). However, particular body parts are different specifically for them to attain survival conditions that would protect them from particular environmental hazards based on where they are living in.

Natural Selection versus Sexual Selection

Natural selection is basically decided upon by the environment and the capacity of the creature to adjust to its challenging conditions. On the other end, sexual selection involves characteristics and behavior of species being put together to mate and produce another specie [perhaps close to the parents’ characteristics but are expected to develop their own recognizable attributes] (Jones, 2001).

Explaining Evolution through Natural Selection

Darwin’s Finches which were located in Galapagos Islands used to establish the proof on the fact that species put in a specific environment tend to develop particular characteristics through time which later on develops into new specie (Dennett, 1995). Observers of the said finches found out that as the drought occurs every year, the finches develop longer beaks which allow them to find water at a better pace. However, the continuation of beak development among the said specie was not as stagnant as expected. Fluctuating results on the said aspect of development became rather not-relatively connected to what was expected. This was a definite reversal of the natural aspect of what describes natural selection.

This basically means that natural selection at some point cannot fully explain the emergence of new species neither could it support the needed reasoning behind the close-relation of particular species basing on the characteristics that they have been noted to develop through time. The aspect of adaptation somehow fails in explaining some of the different options by which particular groups of species develop through time. Considerably, the assumption of emergence among different species has been observed by other scientists at a different aspect of development.

The specific design that identifies a specific creation from another is quite detailed enough to determine its particular characteristic that is definitely able to adapt to the environment it is evolving with. Such detail, to be developed through a hundred-year period or more is considered by some scientists to be a vague distinction on how particular species exist. Some species of the same type but of different category exists together at the same time [only in different areas of the world]; explaining their transfer of habitat and living course cannot be simply explained as easy as science tries to impose. This is the reason why up to these days, the theory of natural selection still continues to be researched upon, given attention to by scientists and other specialists as they try to draw the line of connection between creatures defining their coexistence.

Impact of the Theory on Human Society

Through the years of developing a theory that would define how different species belonging to different but closely related categories exist in the world today, it has been realized how science remains undecided on what theory specifically indicates the proper road to development and evolution that the species undergo. Nevertheless, these theories [especially that of evolution] have greatly affected the being of the society and how they consider the process of development and emergence explained through the aspect of creation (Dawkins, 1996). People in turn specifically turn to science rather than turning their heads towards a supreme being, God. Instead, most of them try to ask questions specifically aiming to redefine the process by which people tend to recognize God’s existence.

Conclusion

In the discussion presented herein, it could be realized how important it is to deeply understand the roots and the developments of a particular theory and how it is able to support the response that the society needs to know of. Most likely, although there are reasonable bases that could explain the basic facts and explanations that surround the factors of natural selection, existing proofs on the matter still cannot explain particular anomalies on the theory’s background itself. Relatively, it is because of these anomalies that the theory of natural selection is still being researched upon and is continuously questioned in the field of science. However, although this is the case, the theory behind Darwin’s evolution, natural selection, has already captured the attention of the society thus bringing more individual into the aspect of believing in it rather in God, a practically strong impact on the human civilization that is expected to continue from this point towards further years in the future.

References:

Dawkins, Richard (1996) Climbing Mount Improbable. Penguin Books.

Dennett, Daniel (1995) Darwin’s Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. Simon & Schuster.

Gould, Stephen Jay (1997) Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History. Norton.

Jones, Steve (2001) Darwin’s Ghost: The Origin of Species Updated. Ballantine Books.