Explain Darwinian theory of evolution with the help of one suitable example. State the two key concepts of the theory.
Darwinian theory of evolution:
1. Darwin believed that evolution occurred through the process of natural selection.
2. Darwin regarded heredity, variation, and struggle for existence as the chief factor for evolution in his theory of evolution.
Example:
Darwin’s theory of evolution can be seen in the giraffe.
1. In the giraffe population, there were species of giraffe with varying sizes of the neck.
2. Due to competition in resources, the giraffe with longer necks was able to access food available at a level the other giraffe wasn’t able to.
3. Hence resulted in the shorter giraffe not surviving and becoming extinct gradually leaving behind giraffes that were more fit in the environment to survive.
Key concepts of the theory:
The two key concepts of his theory struggled for existence and survival of the fittest or natural selection.
1. Struggle for existence showed how organisms compete with one another to survive and have access to the common resources that these species need.
2. Survival of the fittest occurs due to struggling for existence where the best-adapted organism will outclass the other organism by surviving making it the fittest. This is known as natural selection.