Evolution, Essay Example

Introduction

Evolution is defined as gradual changes in living beings and species over a period of time and influences how living things grow, thrive, and adapt to different social and environmental circumstances (Berkeley). This process considers the gradual changes that have taken place on Earth since the beginning of time and the adaptations that have been made in all living things to accommodate these changes (Berkeley). Evolution serves as the primary theory behind human, plant, and animal development over thousands of years.

Body

Evolution is typically classified as a biological process whereby all living things grow and adapt through biological changes and other modifications. Charles Darwin is generally considered as the founder of evolutionary theory as it is now known, as he coined the phrase “survival of the fittest” to identify gradual changes in species, noting those who survived were able to adapt and reproduce new generations, while those who could not adapt did not survive (O’Neil). This premise served as the basis of his theory of evolution and its significance to all living things (O’Neil). This theory demonstrated Darwin’s belief in natural selection, demonstrating that specific traits enabled some species to live on as future generations (O’Neil). Darwin’s beliefs were further advanced by Gregor Mendel’s discoveries in the genetic field many years later (O’Neil).

Conclusion

Evolution remains one of the most significant and one of the most controversial theories in the sciences and continues to attract attention from experts in modern settings. Evolution as developed by Darwin provides support for the gradual change in all living things, including human beings, over many centuries. These elements represent a challenge to many experts but also explain how scientists are able to address ever-changing life cycles and other factors which influence the existence of all living things over time.

Works Cited

Berkeley, 2013. “An introduction to evolution.” 3 March 2013: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/evo_02

O’Neil, Dennis, 2012. “Darwin and Natural Selection.” 3 March 2013: http://anthro.palomar.edu/evolve/evolve_2.htm