Darwin & Mendel: A Historical Comparison

In summary, if Darwin had known about Mendelian genetics during his time, it would have likely influenced and improved his theories on evolution. His understanding of inheritance and the passing down of traits would have been more accurate and could have led to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind evolution. The concept of "survival of the fittest" would also have been reevaluated, as Mendel's findings showed that successful organisms can still carry flawed genes that can lead to less successful offspring. Overall, Mendel's work would have greatly contributed to our understanding of evolution and its processes.
  • #1
JimmyRay
89
0
If Darvin knew about genetics or even about what mendel was researching, how do you think it would have changed his theories?
 
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  • #2
First of all, his name is Darwin, not Darvin.

Assuming that Mendelian genetics were known in his time he would have been able to write a sounder book; the fact that like everyone else he was hazy on inheritance of traits is a shortcoming in hindsight. It would certainly not have led him away from evolution.
 
  • #3
Since most of Mendel's studies were between 1856 to 1863 (although he had a couple of prior papers published around 1854 and Darwin's "Origin of Species" was published in 1859), I would doubt that Darwin had much knowledge, if any, of Mendel's work on plant hybridization.

I agree with SA.
 
  • #4
I think it would have had an effect on some of the mechanisms that Darwin proposed for Evolution to be sure. For example, the "survival of the fittest" theory would deserve another look as no one organism hands down 100% of it's genetics to it's offspring even if it breeds within it's own species (the genetics of the offspring would depend on the chosen mates genepool, the probability of a certain mixture coming out for anyone child, and many other factors beyond an organisms "fitness" all introduced from Mendel forward).

In other words, thanks to Mendel we know that a very successful organism can be the carrier to many flawed genes that can lead to less than successful offspring (whereas in Darwin's explanation success in one generation directly leads to survival in the next if the environment remains mostly static...which if it were true would mean that most of the diversity on Earth would have long since become extinct...).
 

What is the significance of Darwin and Mendel in the history of science?

Darwin and Mendel are two of the most influential figures in the history of science. Charles Darwin is known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, which revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. Gregor Mendel, on the other hand, is known as the father of genetics for his groundbreaking work on heredity and inheritance. Together, their discoveries laid the foundation for modern biology and continue to shape our understanding of the natural world.

How did Darwin and Mendel's theories differ?

While both Darwin and Mendel studied the natural world, their theories focused on different aspects of biology. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection explains how species change over time through the process of adaptation to their environment. Mendel's theory of inheritance, on the other hand, explains how traits are passed down from parents to offspring through the transmission of genes. While their theories may seem contradictory, they are actually complementary and together provide a more complete understanding of biology.

What were the key similarities between Darwin and Mendel's work?

Despite their different areas of focus, Darwin and Mendel's work shared several similarities. Both were based on extensive observations and experiments, and both challenged traditional beliefs about the natural world. Additionally, both theories were met with skepticism and resistance from the scientific community before eventually being accepted as fundamental principles in biology.

How did Darwin and Mendel's work impact the scientific community during their lifetimes?

Darwin and Mendel's work sparked intense debate and discussion within the scientific community. While some scientists rejected their theories, others were inspired to conduct further research and build upon their ideas. Their work also had a significant impact on society at large, as it challenged traditional religious beliefs and prompted new ways of thinking about the natural world.

How do Darwin and Mendel's work continue to influence modern science?

The theories of Darwin and Mendel continue to be the foundation of modern biology and have led to numerous advancements in our understanding of genetics, evolution, and the natural world. Their work has also inspired further research and discoveries, such as the discovery of DNA and the mapping of the human genome. Today, their ideas continue to shape our understanding of the world around us and have far-reaching implications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and conservation.

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