Charles Darwin and Natural Selection - Essay Example

Darwin's studies gave him insight into various species, and thus the theory of evolution backed by the process of natural selection. He collected a variety of natural specimens and through experiments; he studied principles involved in botany, geology, and zoology. It is during Darwin’s research that he observed similarities among species around the world as well as variations existing about location. In his work, Darwin believed that all species had a common ancestor, but evolved to survive due to the process of natural selection (Human Intelligence, 2012). Natural selection illustrates attempts made by various species to adapt to meet the ever-changing requirements of their natural habitat, with those that failed to adapt dying off.

Charles Darwin's work raised concerns among fellow naturalists as his theory was contrary to the popular view of many. This revolutionary theory described the nature of struggles involved in a changing habitat, which affected all species including man. Darwin’s theory illustrates the development of complex organisms through mutations to facilitate changes in the habitat of simple ancestral organisms, which explains evolution. These mutations are passed on to succeeding generations, and over time, the accumulation of beneficial mutations gives rise to more complex organisms. Organisms that fail to adapt to their habitat do not prevail under the new environmental conditions and hence, cannot survive, which explains natural selection where only the strong and mighty thrive effectively.

Darwin’s theory of evolution erupted a great deal of debate as it challenged traditional religious explanations of the world and nature (Boeree, 2000). His work encouraged further research into the concept of evolution and other mysteries of life at the time.

In the modern world, Darwin’s theory is seen as a plain blueprint as to how life came to be and is. The theory evokes critical thinking into concepts in life, and it is following his work that a debate developed concerning nature and nurture. 

Darwin laid the foundation of modern psychology as presented in his belief that intelligent behaviors can be traced back to the ancestors. An evolutionary approach to the study of human behavior allows professionals to question traits in an individual (Montgomery, 2007). It is by asking such questions that a psychologist understands characteristics, which contribute to one’s survival and anwell-beingng. In this regard, problems are seen to have an ancestral to them, and understanding the root is critical to solving the situation at hand. The use of an evolutionary point of view in psychology has led to the discovery of numerous fields where human mental development is studied to explain human behavior.

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