Early ideas about evolution What is evolution? What is evolution? It is the process of biological change by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors. It is the process of biological change by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors. Evolution is an attempt Evolution is an attempt to explain the origins of living things, including humans.

Early years Much of today’s understanding of evolution is based on Charles Darwin. Much of today’s understanding of evolution is based on Charles Darwin. What do you think about when you hear his name? What do you think about when you hear his name? The father of modern evolution The father of modern evolution Images of monkeys turned to men Images of monkeys turned to men A universe unguided by any divine hand A universe unguided by any divine hand A view of life that is always changing A view of life that is always changing

Early years- 1700’s Linnaeus developed both a binomial system for naming organisms and a hierarchy of classification groupings. Linnaeus developed both a binomial system for naming organisms and a hierarchy of classification groupings. Taxonomy originated in the work of Linnaeus. Taxonomy originated in the work of Linnaeus.

Cuvier, Fossils, and Catastrophism Fossils are remnants or impressions of organism laid down in sedimentary rocks Fossils are remnants or impressions of organism laid down in sedimentary rocks Fossils from strata of different ages reveal that a succession of organisms has existed on earth. Fossils from strata of different ages reveal that a succession of organisms has existed on earth. Cuvier is considered the father of paleontology. Cuvier is considered the father of paleontology. Advocating catastrophism, he maintained that the differences he observed in the fossils found in different strata were the result of local catastrophic events such as floods or drought and were not indicative of evolution. Advocating catastrophism, he maintained that the differences he observed in the fossils found in different strata were the result of local catastrophic events such as floods or drought and were not indicative of evolution.

Geologic gradualism Gradualism, result of a slow continuous process, was proposed by James Hutton in 1795 to explain the geologic state of the earth. Gradualism, result of a slow continuous process, was proposed by James Hutton in 1795 to explain the geologic state of the earth. Darwin took the ideas from the observations of Hutton: The Earth must be very old if geologic change is slow and gradual, and very slow processes can produce substantial change. Darwin took the ideas from the observations of Hutton: The Earth must be very old if geologic change is slow and gradual, and very slow processes can produce substantial change.

Thomas Malthus Thomas Malthus 1798 published Essay on the Principle of Population 1798 published Essay on the Principle of Population gave Darwin idea that populations produce more offspring than can survive because populations increase faster than earth can support gave Darwin idea that populations produce more offspring than can survive because populations increase faster than earth can support

Lamarck Lamarck published a theory of evolution in 1809 (same year Darwin was born). He explained the mechanism of evolution with two principles. Lamarck published a theory of evolution in 1809 (same year Darwin was born). He explained the mechanism of evolution with two principles. the use or disuse of body parts leads to their development or deterioration, acquired characteristics can be inherited. the use or disuse of body parts leads to their development or deterioration, acquired characteristics can be inherited.

Charles Lyell Proposed geological theory of uniformitarianism which is different from catastrophism. Proposed geological theory of uniformitarianism which is different from catastrophism. Uniformitarianism- the events in the past that formed the Earth are still at play today and are a gradual process Uniformitarianism- the events in the past that formed the Earth are still at play today and are a gradual process Principles of Geology was published, Darwin read and agreed with the findings. Principles of Geology was published, Darwin read and agreed with the findings.

Charles Lyell Continued He studied sedimentary rock and how the layers (strata) of the Earth form. He studied sedimentary rock and how the layers (strata) of the Earth form. He said that these processes take thousands of years to occur. He said that these processes take thousands of years to occur. Darwin used this information to conclude that if the different layers of the Earth take thousands of years to form, then the different fossils found in each layer must’ve taken thousands of years to change or evolve. Darwin used this information to conclude that if the different layers of the Earth take thousands of years to form, then the different fossils found in each layer must’ve taken thousands of years to change or evolve.

Charles Lyell Cont.

Voyage of the Beagle Darwin was 22 years old when he sailed from Great Britain on the H.M.S. Beagle in Darwin was 22 years old when he sailed from Great Britain on the H.M.S. Beagle in He spent the voyage collecting thousands of specimens of the fauna and flora, observing various adaptations of organisms. He was particularly struck by the uniqueness of the fauna of the Galapagos Islands He spent the voyage collecting thousands of specimens of the fauna and flora, observing various adaptations of organisms. He was particularly struck by the uniqueness of the fauna of the Galapagos Islands

Darwin and Wallace In the 1830’s Darwin starts compiling his work and another scientist, Alfred Wallace, was also working on a theory of natural selection. In the 1830’s Darwin starts compiling his work and another scientist, Alfred Wallace, was also working on a theory of natural selection. Before publishing his findings, Wallace sends a copy of his work to Darwin in Before publishing his findings, Wallace sends a copy of his work to Darwin in To Darwin’s surprise, Wallace has formulated a very similar theory! To Darwin’s surprise, Wallace has formulated a very similar theory!

Both findings were presented to the Linnaean Society in Both findings were presented to the Linnaean Society in Darwin’s Origin of Species was published in 1859 (yes! 20 years after he wrote it!), Wallace will continue his travels and research Darwin’s Origin of Species was published in 1859 (yes! 20 years after he wrote it!), Wallace will continue his travels and research Wallace’s theory and name will forever stand in the shadow of Darwin and the theory of evolution Wallace’s theory and name will forever stand in the shadow of Darwin and the theory of evolution

Best Seller! Darwin’s book was a success, however, natural selection was still questioned even by Darwinist Darwin’s book was a success, however, natural selection was still questioned even by Darwinist In 1865 Mendel’s findings on heredity were published In 1865 Mendel’s findings on heredity were published However, it would take until the 1900’s before the findings were revisited However, it would take until the 1900’s before the findings were revisited Charles Darwin dies in 1882 and is buried in Westminster Abbey Charles Darwin dies in 1882 and is buried in Westminster Abbey