Source: TH
Context: Recently, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) dropped the entire section on “Theory of evolution” from its Class 10 textbooks.
About Darwin’s theory of evolution:
| Darwin’s Theory of Evolution | |
| Definition | Darwin’s theory of evolution is the process by which species of organisms develop and change over time through natural selection. |
| Principles
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· Variation: Individuals within a species have differences or variations.
· Inheritance: Some of these variations are heritable and can be passed on to offspring. · Selection: Organisms with advantageous variations have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing, passing on these advantageous traits to their offspring. · Time: Evolution occurs over long periods of time, allowing for gradual changes to accumulate. |
| Natural Selection | Natural selection is the driving force behind evolution. Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. Over time, this leads to the evolution of new species. |
| Controversies | Darwin’s theory of evolution has been controversial since its introduction. Some religious and cultural beliefs conflict with the idea of evolution. |
| Influence | Lamarck, the French naturalist proposed his own theory of evolution before Darwin; Darwin’s theory was an extension of laissez-faire economics; Darwin was greatly influenced by Malthus’ ideas of competition in an environment with limited resources. |
