Darwin's theory is based on the notion of variation. It argues that the numerous traits and adaptations that differentiate species from each other also explain how species evolved over time and gradually diverged. Variations in organisms are apparent both within domesticated species and within species throughout the natural world. Variations in colors, structures, organs, and physical traits differentiate a multitude of species from one another. Heredity is the mechanism that perpetuates variations, Darwin argues, as traits ...
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Darwin's theory is based on the notion of variation. It argues that the numerous traits and adaptations that differentiate species from each other also explain how species evolved over time and gradually diverged. Variations in organisms are apparent both within domesticated species and within species throughout the natural world. Variations in colors, structures, organs, and physical traits differentiate a multitude of species from one another. Heredity is the mechanism that perpetuates variations, Darwin argues, as traits are passed from parents to offspring. What is important about these variations to Darwin, though, is the way they allow species to adapt and survive in the natural world. He gives numerous examples of variations that illustrate the wondrous adaptations that allow species to survive in their natural environments: the beak that allows the woodpecker to gather insects, the wings that allow the bat to fly, the paddles that allow the porpoise to swim, and so on. Darwin hypothesizes that the minor variations we see within a single species-such as variations in size, shape, and color of organisms-are related to the more distinct variations seen across different species. His theory of evolution explains how variations cause the origin of species.
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I really like and enjoyed the body of this historical work, but the intro written by this guy I never heard of is so biased and slanted that I can't believe someone let it be published with Darwin's fine writing. The whole intro(and it is expansive) is involved in trying to discredit Darwin's opinions. Save your money- It wasn't worth the $1.50 that I paid for it. Skip the 150 year anniversary edition and get the book without the biased introduction.
Becca007
Aug 30, 2007
Good book about evolution
I'd like this book, explain very clear the theory about evolution and a lot of things in there has a lot of sense. I do recommend it!
