Exploring the Role of Use and Disuse in Evolution

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In summary, "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin discusses the theory of natural selection and its role in the development and survival of species. Darwin addresses the question of why lower forms of life still exist and why some organisms are more highly developed than others. He also mentions Lamarck's belief in an innate tendency towards perfection in organic beings, but argues that natural selection does not necessarily lead to progressive development. Darwin briefly mentions Lamarck's ideas in relation to inherited habits in neuter insects and analogical resemblances. He also adds a note in later editions about Brown-Sequard's experiments on inherited effects of operations. Overall, Darwin attributes variations in organisms to natural selection and spontaneous changes, rather than solely to use and disuse.
  • #1
nautica
THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES
By Charles Darwin

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Nautica
 

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  • #2
Very nice and ingeneous review.
 
  • #3
Thanks
 
  • #4
Very well done, nautica...I really appreciated (among many other things) the reference to the only time that Darwin even used the term "evolve", though it has become the name of the theory itself.

One question though, I may have skimmed a little, so I don't know for sure: was Lamarkian evolution mentioned? Was this dealt with in "On the Origin of Species"?
 
  • #5
Chapter 4 - Natural Selction, or Survival of the Fittest.


"But it may be objected that if all organic beings thus tend to rise in the scale, how is it that throughout the world a multitude of the lowest forms still exist; and how is it that in each great class some forms are far more highly developed than others? Why have not the more highly developed forms everywhere supplanted and exterminated the lower? Lamarck, who believed in an innate and inevitable tendency towards perfection in all organic beings, seems to have felt this difficulty so strongly, that he was led to suppose that new and simple forms are continually being produced by spontaneous generation. Science has not as yet proved the truth of this belief, whatever the future may reveal. On our theory the continued existence of lowly organisms offers no difficulty; for natural selection, or the survival of the fittest, does not necessarily include progressive development- it only takes advantage of such variations as arise and are beneficial to each creature under its complex relations of life."

Chapter 8 - Instinct

"For peculiar habits confined to the workers or sterile females, however long they might be followed, could not possibly affect the males and fertile females, which alone leave descendants. I am surprised that no one has hitherto advanced this demonstrative case of neuter insects, against the well-known doctrine of inherited habit, as advanced by Lamarck."

Chapter 14 - Mutual Affinities

"Analogical Resemblances.- We can understand, on the above views, the very important distinction between real affinities and analogical or adaptive resemblances. Lamarck first called attention to this subject, and he has been ably followed by Macleay and others. The resemblance in the shape of the body and in the fin-like anterior limbs between dugongs and whales, and between these two orders of mammals and fishes, are analogical."


These were the only times I found his ideas mentioned.

Nautica
 
  • #6
“The evidence that accidental mutilations can be inherited is at present not decisive, but the remarkable cases observed by Brown-Sequard in guinea-pigs, of the inherited effects of operations, should make us cautious in denying this tendency.”

An interesting note that I have recently found out. This statement was not included in the first edition of Darwins book in 1859, but did appear in the later editions and most importantly his 6th edition, which is the one in circulation.

After researching, I found where Brown-Sequard visited and gave lectures to the Royal Society, which Darwin was a member, in 1859. It appears that Mr. Darwin was impressed enough to include this in his final edition.

Nautica
 
  • #7
Good job, Boy!
 
  • #8
Back to the Larmarckian question.

Although those were the only specific times in which Mr. Darwin mentioned Lamarck, Mr. Darwin does attribute, at least in part, use and disuse to variations within an organism. But he does say that the accumulations of the variations is due to "Natural Selection".

He also goes on to say that use and disuse is only a very small cause of variation and most variation is due to either spontaneous changes or through latent characters. The later, of which he felt was the most important, are characters or traits that were once useful in an organism, then went dormant and for some reason have resurfaced.

And, of course, we now know that it is the spontaneous changes (Mutations) that allow natural selection to work.

Nautica
 

1. What is "On the Origin of Species" about?

"On the Origin of Species" is a book published by Charles Darwin in 1859, which outlines his theory of evolution by natural selection. In this book, Darwin presents evidence for the idea that species arise and change over time through the process of natural selection.

2. What was the main argument of "On the Origin of Species"?

The main argument of "On the Origin of Species" is that all species, including humans, have evolved over time through the process of natural selection. Darwin argues that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these traits to their offspring and leading to gradual changes in a population over generations.

3. What evidence did Darwin present for his theory of evolution?

Darwin presented a wide range of evidence in "On the Origin of Species" to support his theory of evolution. This included observations of the diversity of species and their adaptations to different environments, as well as evidence from comparative anatomy, embryology, and biogeography.

4. How did "On the Origin of Species" impact the scientific community?

"On the Origin of Species" sparked a major shift in scientific thinking and had a profound impact on the scientific community. It challenged traditional beliefs about the creation of species and provided a natural explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. This book also paved the way for further research and discoveries in the field of evolutionary biology.

5. What is the significance of "On the Origin of Species" in modern times?

"On the Origin of Species" remains a highly influential and widely studied book in the field of evolutionary biology. Its ideas and evidence continue to be relevant and have been supported by numerous scientific studies. This book also sparked important debates and discussions about evolution and its implications for our understanding of the natural world and our place in it.

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