THE DARWINIAN REVOLUTION

GROUP 2
BSCE 2A
GSTS (4110)

MEMBERS:
CUYAHON, DIANNE APRILLE W.
DAMO, RO-ANNE S.
LOPEZ, DIANNE PAZ P.
MADANAY, HAROLD O.
MANUEL, JOREIGNE ANGEL D.
Introduction
​ The Darwinian Revolution was a turning point in the history of science,
transforming our understanding of the natural world and reshaping perspectives on human
existence. Named after Charles Darwin, this revolution was driven by the groundbreaking
theory of evolution through natural selection, which challenged long-standing religious and
scientific beliefs. Before Darwin’s work, most people believed that species were fixed and
unchanging, created by a divine force. However, the publication of On the Origin of Species in
1859 introduced a new scientific framework, demonstrating that species evolve over time
due to environmental pressures. This shift in thought had a profound impact not only on
biology but also on fields such as medicine, psychology, and philosophy. The Darwinian
Revolution remains one of the most influential scientific movements in history, shaping
modern evolutionary studies and our understanding of life’s diversity.

Historical Background
​ Before Darwin’s theory, the prevailing scientific and religious beliefs held that the
Earth was young, life was static, and each species was created in its current form. These
views were deeply rooted in theological doctrines, and the idea that species could change
over time was widely dismissed. However, as scientific inquiry advanced, early evolutionary
ideas began to emerge. Naturalists like Erasmus Darwin (Charles Darwin’s grandfather)
and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed theories suggesting that species could undergo
change, but their explanations lacked concrete evidence and mechanisms.
​ The shift toward a new understanding of life’s diversity gained momentum with
Darwin’s extensive research. His voyage aboard the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836
provided crucial observations that later formed the basis of his evolutionary theory. While
exploring the Galapagos Islands, Darwin noted that finches on different islands had distinct
beak shapes, each adapted to its specific food source. This led him to hypothesize that
species gradually adapt to their environments over generations.
​ Upon returning to England, Darwin spent years refining his ideas, influenced by
Thomas Malthus’ essay on population growth. Malthus argued that population growth
would eventually outpace food supply, leading to competition for resources. This concept
helped Darwin realize that in nature, individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to
survive and reproduce, passing on these beneficial traits to their offspring. He termed this
process natural selection, which became the cornerstone of his theory.
In 1859, after two decades of research, Darwin published On the Origin of Species,
presenting a well-supported argument for evolution. The book introduced key principles
such as variation, inheritance, selection, time, and adaptation (VISTA), explaining how
species gradually evolve in response to environmental changes. Darwin’s work was
revolutionary, challenging traditional beliefs and sparking debates within both scientific
and religious communities.

Charles Darwin & His Contribution

​ Charles Darwin is best known for his theory of evolution through natural selection,
which transformed the scientific understanding of how species change over time. His work,
On the Origin of Species (1859), laid the foundation for modern biology by explaining how
advantageous traits are inherited across generations and how species gradually evolve to
adapt to their environments.
During his voyage on the HMS Beagle (1831–1836), Darwin visited various
locations, including the Galápagos Islands, where he observed unique variations among
species. Differences in the beak shapes of finches, suited to different food sources, led him
to theorize that species undergo gradual changes over time in response to their
surroundings, a concept he later called descent with modification.
Darwin's theory of natural selection explains how species evolve in response to
environmental pressures. Variations in size, strength, or coloration occur within a species
due to genetic factors or mutations.
Traits are inherited, and those that enhance survival and reproduction are more
likely to be passed on. Over generations, these beneficial traits have become more common
and have shaped the species.
As species adapt to their environment, they develop traits that improve survival.
Over time, these gradual changes can lead to the emergence of new species, demonstrating
the power of natural selection.
The phrase "survival of the fittest," introduced by Herbert Spencer and later used by
Darwin, describes how organisms most suited to their environment have a higher chance of
survival. Examples include camouflaged insects avoiding predators and fast gazelles
outrunning threats.
Initially, Darwin's ideas faced resistance, particularly from religious groups who
believed in the fixed creation of species. Some critics argued that natural selection lacked
sufficient fossil evidence, but ongoing fossil discoveries and advancements in genetics have
since validated his theory. Today, evolution through natural selection is widely accepted in
scientific communities, influencing disciplines such as medicine, conservation, and genetics.
Darwin's contributions revolutionized biology, shaping genetics, psychology, and
conservation. His theory of evolution remains one of the most groundbreaking scientific
discoveries, fundamentally changing our understanding of life on Earth and influencing
research across multiple disciplines.
Connection to Science & Technology
​ The Darwinian Revolution, driven by Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection,
laid the foundation for modern biology. This groundbreaking idea provided a unifying
explanation for the diversity of life, influencing various scientific fields such as ecology,
physiology, and ethology. Darwin’s work continues to shape scientific research and
technological advancements, making it a cornerstone of modern biological sciences.
​ One significant influence of Darwin’s theory is seen in ecology. His ideas help
scientists understand how species interact within ecosystems and adapt to environmental
changes. For instance, studies on predator-prey relationships and resource competition are
based on evolutionary principles. Natural selection also plays a crucial role in explaining
antibiotic resistance. Over time, bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics through selective
pressures, posing challenges to medical treatments. This understanding has guided
researchers in developing new drugs and treatment strategies to combat resistant bacterial
strains. Similarly, evolutionary medicine benefits from Darwin’s principles by explaining
genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease. This condition persists in some populations
because it provides protection against malaria, demonstrating the impact of natural
selection on human health.
​ Advancements in genetics further highlight the significance of darwinian principles.
The integration of Darwin’s theory with Mendelian genetics led to the modern synthesis,
enhancing the understanding of heredity and variation. This synergy has fueled
breakthroughs in genetic engineering, particularly with CRISPR technology. CRISPR, a
precise gene-editing tool, has numerous applications in medicine, agriculture, and
conservation. In medicine, scientists are exploring CRISPR to treat genetic diseases like
sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. In agriculture, researchers use this technology to
develop disease-resistant crops, ensuring food security. Furthermore, conservation efforts
benefit from CRISPR by modifying genomes to protect endangered species and potentially
revive extinct ones.
​ Beyond biology, Darwin’s ideas have influenced computational algorithms,
particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. Genetic algorithms, inspired by natural
selection, are used to optimize solutions in complex systems. These problem-solving
methods have applications in engineering design, robotics, and software development,
demonstrating the far-reaching impact of evolutionary principles.

Relevance Today
​ The relevance of Darwinian theory extends to various aspects of modern society. In
medicine, understanding evolutionary mechanisms is crucial for tracking pathogen
evolution, which is essential for vaccine development. Insights into viral mutations help
scientists create effective vaccines for diseases like influenza and COVID-19 by predicting
how viruses will evolve. Additionally, evolutionary theory informs anthropology and
psychology by providing insights into human behavior, cooperation, competition, and
cultural adaptations. By examining the evolutionary roots of social behaviors, researchers
gain a deeper understanding of societal development.
​ Conservation efforts also rely on evolutionary principles, emphasizing the
importance of genetic diversity for species’ survival. Scientists use evolutionary data to
breed animals with greater genetic variation, ensuring their adaptability to rapidly
changing environments. Moreover, engineering and design have embraced the concept of
biomimicry, where evolutionary adaptations inspire technological innovations.
Aerodynamic designs in aircraft and wind turbines are modeled after the flight efficiency of
birds and insects, while researchers develop ultra-strong and flexible materials based on
spider silk proteins.

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