Darwinism: The Controversial Theory of Natural Selection Explained

Thread starter Jikx
Start date May 3, 2003

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the theory of Natural Selection, specifically contrasting two types of selection: NS1, which represents stasis, and NS2, which signifies evolution. Participants debate the validity of Darwinian Natural Selection, questioning its role as a mechanism for evolution versus mere adaptation. The conversation highlights the misconception that Natural Selection solely drives evolution, emphasizing that environmental factors also play a crucial role. The discussion concludes that while evolution is widely accepted in the scientific community, misunderstandings persist among those resistant to the concept.

PREREQUISITES

Understanding of Natural Selection and its mechanisms
Familiarity with evolutionary biology concepts
Knowledge of fitness landscapes in evolutionary theory
Awareness of historical experiments, such as Kettlewell's Moth study

NEXT STEPS

Research the implications of Kettlewell's Moth experiment on Natural Selection
Explore the concept of fitness landscapes and their role in evolution
Study the differences between NS1 and NS2 in the context of evolutionary biology
Investigate modern evolutionary theories beyond Darwinism, including co-evolution and the "selfish gene" theory

USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in evolutionary biology, particularly those examining the nuances of Natural Selection and its implications in modern science.

May 18, 2003

Phobos

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

Gold Member

Originally posted by GlamGein
Darwin's ideas on Natural Selection were pretty good, I will give him that much credit. But he was no genius. In fact, the same theory was formulated at the same time by a guy named Wallace, and if it wasn't for the goading of friends, Darwin never would have published. His ideas about sex were a little too "of his era" to be palatable.

For a breakdown of evolution and some cool articles, go to talkorigins.com, I think it is.

Genious schmenious. What does that matter?

To paraphrase Gould, new scientific ideas are "in the air" and many researchers simulataneously wave their nets around. The ideas of evolution were around even before Darwin and Wallace. (Is that like Wallace and Gromit? ) The thing is that Darwin developed the idea further and gathered/presented the evidence more thoroughly than ever before. Even Wallace acknowledged that Darwin presented a better case than he did. (Wallace & Darwin wrote to each other often once their initial publications were issued.) Darwin was also correct in some aspects of the theory where Wallace was not (e.g., effects of other evolutionary "forces" like sexual selection, applicability of natural selection to the human brain).