The Theory of Evolution and its Challenges: Darwin, Lamarck, and the Science Behind Adaptation

The video discusses Charles Darwin's expedition and the development of his theory of evolution, focusing on his observations of finches in the Galapagos Islands. It explains how Darwin's theory of natural selection suggests that species evolve over time through adaptation to their environments. The video also covers the initial challenges to Darwin's theory due to religious beliefs and lack of evidence, and how later fossil discoveries and genetic understanding have supported it. Additionally, it contrasts Darwin's ideas with Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's earlier theory, which proposed that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime could be passed to offspring, a concept now largely discredited.

What did Darwin observe about the finches on the Galapagos Islands that contributed to his theory of evolution?

• They migrated frequently between islands.

• They had different beak shapes adapted to their environment.

• They all had the same beak size.

• They were all the same color.

According to Darwin's theory, what happens to traits that help an organism survive?

• They become less common.

• They are passed on to the next generation.

• They disappear over time.

• They are shared with other species.

Why was Darwin's theory of evolution initially challenged?

• It was only applicable to plants.

• It was too similar to Lamarck's theory.

• It lacked sufficient scientific evidence at the time.

• It was already proven by fossils.

What was a key difference between Lamarck's theory and Darwin's theory?

• Lamarck believed in natural selection.

• Lamarck focused on genetic mutations.

• Lamarck suggested acquired traits could be inherited.

• Lamarck's theory was widely accepted.

Which of the following best describes the current scientific view of Lamarck's theory?

• It is widely accepted and supported by evidence.

• It is considered outdated with little experimental support.

• It is the foundation of modern genetics.

• It is used to explain fossil records.