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 observations did Darwin make about the finches on the Galapagos Islands?

How did Darwin explain the adaptation of finches to their environment?

What was the reaction to Darwin's theory immediately after its publication?

What alternative theory did Jean-Baptiste Lamarck propose?

Why is Lamarck's theory not widely accepted today?