Evolution
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.5.6
Evolution
Evolution is a scientific theory that was researched by the scientist Charles Darwin. Evolution provides an explanation for how human beings were created.
Evolution
- The rise in scientific observation during The Enlightenment led to many findings.
- One finding that caused a great problem for religion was evolution.
- The study of evolution included scientific investigations into observed similarities between the biology of humans and other mammals, especially apes!
Charles Darwin
- Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882) was a British scientist.
- Darwin's research provided evidence to support a belief in evolution.
- Evolution says that all living things (including humans) have evolved over millions of years from simple life forms.
Natural selection
- The process behind evolution that Darwin described is called natural selection.
- Natural selection means that the individuals in a species who are best adapted to their environment will be most likely to reproduce.
- The traits that helped them survive are then passed on to the next generations.
- This natural process is so powerful that it can lead to the evolution of beings as sophisticated as humans evolved.
Test yourself on Evolution
What is the process of living organisms adapting to their environment called?