Question

Your response to the question should be long enough to address the question but limited to no more than two pages. These are essay style questions therefore you should give essay style answers. Do not copy the published work of others. If you cite the work of someone else, please provide the appropriate citation. Briefly, but completely respond to the question.

What are the basic assumptions set forth in the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace? Despite the tremendous efforts of Darwin to provide substantiating evidence, especially in his book “The Origins of Species”, which tenets of their theory in 1858-1859 were potential weak points in their theory? Were these weaknesses ever resolved and if so, how?

Answer 1

Darwin's and Wallace Theory of Evolution:

Darwin said that all life forms are related and descended with modification from a common ancestor. Complex organisms are arrived from simpler life forms. Over time various beneficial mutations occurs and passed to next generation creating a completely different organisms. Beneficial mutations are carried to next generations by providing survival benefits called natural selected. Darwin’s work was published in “Origin of species” in 1859. Alfred Russel Wallace has also worked on the theory of evolution and natural selection. His work was jointly published with Darwin’s work. Wallace has done fieldwork at places like Amazon River basin and Malay Archipelago whereas Darwin was on voyage to Galapagos Island etc.

Weaknesses of Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection:

Genetic mutation and natural selection are not always responsible for diversity and giving survival benefits, few of examples are as follows:

1.      Most of DNA mutations are harmful and leading to diseases etc.

2.      Experimentally selected fruit flies and personally chosen dog breeds have nothing to do with natural selection.

3.      Insect surviving in presence of Insecticide, making more resistance to be killed.