History

Why are domestically-grown berries larger than wild berries? Why are lemurs only in Madagascar? Is there evidence of transitional species? Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution maintains that our current species descended from older, less developed species. According to Darwin, common descent is evidenced by changes in domesticated species, leftover characteristics, intermediate species found in the fossil record, and the role of natural barriers. Read more to learn why Darwin believes that species have descended from earlier species.

Does natural selection have anything to do with the simplicity or complexity of an organism? Does the process of evolution ever end? Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was controversial in its time, even among scientists. In the final edition of On the Origin of Species, released in 1872, Darwin responds to objections raised by skeptics. One of these is that simple organisms continue to exist even after some evolved into complex ones. Read more to learn Darwin’s rebuttals in defense of his theory.

How could something as complex as the human brain have evolved from a simpler structure? Does evolution naturally produce complexity? When Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, some scientists brought up a challenge to his theory of evolution: Complex features are difficult (if not impossible) to create through small increments as Darwin had suggested. In the last edition of his book, Darwin responded. Keep reading to learn about the evolution of complexity.

Why aren’t there more transitional species? If Darwinian evolution is correct, wouldn’t we see it in progress? Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has always stirred up controversy. He took the opportunity in the final edition of On the Origin of Species, published in 1872, to respond to some of the objections raised by skeptics. One of these is that we should see transitional species. Continue reading to learn how Darwin responded to this challenge.

Since we now have complex organisms, why are there still simple ones? Where are all the intermediate species? From the start, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution raised eyebrows—and serious questions. In the sixth and final edition of On the Origin of Species (1872), Darwin responds to the three main objections raised by skeptics. Read more to learn about these objections to evolution and Darwin’s rebuttals in defense of his theory.