Theory of evolution: What is it and what are its characteristics?

One of the theories that has most tried to explain our origin and development as a species is Darwin’s theory of evolution . Basically, he tells us about how each race adapts to its environment to survive and passes on its traits to new generations, which allows them to succeed in the face of the dangers of nature. This theory was developed by Charles Darwin and presented in his book The Origin of Species, where he shows advances in population genetics.

What is the theory of evolution?

Darwin’s theory of evolution is the statement that explains how the human race has been able to survive over the years. According to him, each species develops traits that are passed from generation to generation, in its process of adaptation to this changing world. Darwin considers that all human beings come from a common ancestor that inhabited the earth billions of years ago. This is how their genes were transferred to people, animals and microorganisms.

This theory maintains that living beings have not appeared out of nowhere, but have a definite origin. However, species can change as generations pass, giving way to a completely different being. With his statement, Darwin has divided history into before and after, generating countless discussions between science and religion. Knowing in depth the theory of evolution is essential to understand where we come from and, above all, where we are going as a species.

When did this theory appear?

The first time this theory came to light was on November 24, 1859, in Darwin’s book On the Origin of Species . Here the biologist explains in detail how all living things evolve. In turn, he demonstrates that nature itself forces each species to evolve, since otherwise they run the risk of perishing and disappearing. However, previously several related concepts had already emerged, although none like that of the naturist.

This book explains the reasons why many species are made to survive in harsh environments. That is why we still find animals as old as crocodiles, snakes and various insects. Or, for example, the camel, which is capable of spending time in the desert without becoming dehydrated, a characteristic that occurred with the pressure of the environment. The pressure exerted by the environment itself generates a collective pressure on living beings that forces them to make changes to survive.

What are its main characteristics?

One of the main characteristics of this theory is that it reflects that nature itself has led each species to be as it is today. That is, each species has evolved depending on the environment that surrounds it , having to change completely to survive. In turn, the theory of evolution in addition to behavior explains that the changes also adapt to the type of individual that is in context, although it depends on the selective pressure that it suffers.

The theory of evolution is so broad that it is still being studied by specialists in the field today. Another of its characteristics is that the species change over time and that they come from older species. This is how each of us already has inherited genetic qualities, consequently, a kind of family tree is created in which many beings of nature are interconnected. The lower it is, the greater the difference with its original ancestors.

Who proposed the theory of evolution?

The theory of evolution is a concept created 100% by the English naturalist Charles Darwin. Who made trips around the world to study the rarest species that inhabited the earth, which helped shape his theory. However, there were other contributions to this hypothesis. One of them was that of Alfred Wallace, a British anthropologist, explorer, naturalist, biologist and geographer, who reached conclusions very similar to those of Darwin regarding evolution and natural selection.

Darwin detected behavior patterns in different organisms in South America. In fact, it was on the Galapagos Island where he found similar species, but not the same, which led him to analyze the physical features of the animals found to determine some logical explanation for each case. Finally, after many years of study, he put all the information into his theory of evolution. This meant a before and after in the history of science, since now there was something that explained our evolutionary past.

Why was this theory created?

Curiosity and passion for the craft led Darwin and his companions to undertake long journeys in search of an answer. However, it was observation that allowed the creation of this theory. This was basically what the specialist did on each of the islands he visited, since that way he could understand the behavior of a species. Later, he captured all the details in a notebook that later became the theory we know today.

Despite the years that have passed since then, the theory of evolution remains. We can see how the decades go by and each animal or person evolves depending on the environment where they live. This shows that we are all evolving according to the context in which we live, since it is the only way to survive. For this reason, studies in this regard continue to advance to explain where we come from and where we are going, something that is transcendental for all humanity.

Difference Between Natural Selection and Evolution

One of the most peculiar concepts in the theory of evolution is natural selection. It is basically a mechanism that explains the evolutionary process of a population to adapt to the environment where they live. In this way, Darwin indicated that traits are heritable on many occasions and that species produce more offspring than necessary. However, descendants may have different traits, depending on their inheritance from their ancestors. This is how we find different colors, sizes and shapes in nature.

Although natural selection and evolution are interrelated, they have many differences that must be appreciated. In principle, natural selection is one of the causes of the evolution of species according to the environment where it develops. This explains why the same species can behave differently if they develop in different countries. For this reason, it is necessary to be attentive to the latest developments in the theory of evolution to learn more about our human race.