A.3 Evolution and Biodiversity
Overall Progress
Overall Progress
The development of evolutionary thought is a fascinating journey through scientific history, showcasing how our understanding of life's diversity and complexity has evolved over time. This page explores the key milestones and concepts that have shaped our modern understanding of evolution [Bowler, 2003].
The idea that species might change over time has roots in ancient Greek philosophy. Anaximander (c. 610-546 BCE) proposed that humans evolved from fish-like creatures, while Empedocles (c. 490-430 BCE) suggested a form of natural selection [Zirkle, 1941].
Aristotle's concept of the Scala Naturae or "Great Chain of Being" proposed a fixed hierarchy of life forms, from simple to complex. This idea persisted well into the 18th century and influenced early naturalists [Lovejoy, 1936].
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788) proposed that species could change over time due to environmental influences, a concept known as "transformisme" [Roger, 1997].
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744-1829) proposed a theory of evolution based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics. He suggested that organisms could pass on traits developed during their lifetime to their offspring [Burkhardt, 1977].
Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" (1859) introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection, revolutionizing biology. Darwin proposed that organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these traits to their offspring [Darwin, 1859].
Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed a theory of evolution by natural selection, which he sent to Darwin in 1858. This prompted Darwin to publish his work [Wallace, 1858].
Gregor Mendel's work on inheritance, rediscovered in 1900, provided a mechanism for the inheritance of traits that Darwin's theory lacked [Bateson, 1902].
The Modern Synthesis, developed in the 1930s and 1940s, integrated Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics and population genetics [Huxley, 1942].
Explore the development of evolutionary thought over time. Move the slider to see how the number of evolutionary ideas increased and which era you're exploring.
Selected Year: 1800
Era: Pre-Darwinian Era
The discovery of DNA structure in 1953 by Watson and Crick opened up new avenues for studying evolution at the molecular level [Watson and Crick, 1953].
Motoo Kimura proposed that most evolutionary changes at the molecular level are caused by random drift of selectively neutral mutants [Kimura, 1968].
Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould proposed that evolutionary change occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stasis, challenging the idea of gradual change [Eldredge and Gould, 1972].
The historical development of evolutionary thought showcases the cumulative nature of scientific progress. From early philosophical ideas to modern molecular studies, our understanding of evolution has grown increasingly sophisticated. This journey continues today, with new discoveries in genomics, developmental biology, and ecology constantly refining and expanding evolutionary theory [Futuyma and Kirkpatrick, 2017].
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