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The Evolution of Essentialism and Darwin's Insights
This chapter examines the historical concept of essentialism in species identity and contrasts it with Darwin's revolutionary ideas of adaptation and natural selection. It explores the significant contributions of early scientists and the shifting understanding of Earth's age and fossils, setting the stage for evolutionary theory. The chapter also highlights Darwin's formative experiences during his Beagle voyage, particularly in the Galapagos Islands, which challenged existing scientific paradigms and influenced his thoughts on shared ancestry among species.