Blue Print of Life
use available evidence to analyse, using a named example, how advances in technology have changed scientific thinking about evolutionary relationships
Historical, Social and Political influences on the development of the theory of Evolution
Plan for long response
I: Identify
Main scientists who contributed to the theory of evolution include:
Jean Baptiste Lamarck
believed that changes in organisms came about because of the pressure in the environment and through this life long development of an organism it would then be passed on to the offspring.
This theory was later proved invalid
Although it was rejected, his theory challenged religious and social orders at the time and made way for new ideas to be put forward.
Charles Darwin
Darwin viewed changes as happening by chance in an individual and being passed onto the offspring.
And the idea that all living things descended from common ancestors
“Natural Selection”
Gregor Mendel
Niles Eldridge and Stephen Jay Gould
D: Describe -
Social and Political
Because the Church was very strong at the time, Darwin put off publishing his ideas as he was aware of the social and political upheaval that could occur.
It is hard to know what happened with Darwin and Wallace, if they collaborated or not due to unknown knowledge.
“On the Origin of Species” Darwin’s finished publication was released in 1859.
Wallace/Darwin theory of natural selection caused problems in the Victorian society in England.
The industrial revolution provided tools for the scientists, for example - advances in microscopes.
The theory of evolution has encountered opposition since it was first introduced. This is because it can be seen as a threat to religious and social beliefs.
Politics also influences science as it determines the framework that governs everyday life.
Britain was a strong power. They carried out expeditions and voyages and colonisation e.g Beagle to Galapagos
E: Explain: -
A: Access - shown below in long response answer
Description of criterion