9.1.2 The Theory of Evolution (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

Evidence for the Theory of Evolution

The Theory of Evolution

• The Theory of Evolution is the Scientific theory of the development of species

• A natural scientist called Charles Darwin in 1859 developed the theory

  • Through years of research, Darwin wrote The Origins of Species

  • He suggested that, as the earth cooled, conditions became right for the beginning of life

  • Single-celled creatures appeared in the sea which, over a long period, evolved (changed) into other species

  • Some became able to survive on land as well as in the sea

  • Some gradually developed the ability to fly

  • Individuals from the same species can be quite different from one another because of the genes they inherit from their ancestors

  • There is a struggle for survival between creatures through climates, resources and habitat

  • Where species failed to adapt they became extinct

  • Some individuals have certain genes that increase their chance of survival

  • This means they are more likely to breed successfully and pass their favourable genes to their offspring

  • Animals without these advantageous genes die out

  • This is referred to as evolution by Natural selection

  • Darwin explained this process as the Survival of the fittest

  • Darwin claimed that this is how humans and animals came to be in their current form. It explains why animals and plants appear perfectly adapted to their environments

• This view is opposed to the beliefs of some religious people who believe that God created man and woman in their current form

• Some religious people accept the Theory of Evolution but believe that it is God the Creator who has control over the process