Join geneticist and science writer Adam Rutherford as he explores the revolutionary impact of Darwin’s *On The Origin of Species*. Discover how Darwin’s concept of natural selection reshaped our understanding of evolution, contrasting it with earlier theories. Rutherford highlights Darwin's formative experiences in the Galapagos and the misconceptions surrounding his theory. The discussion also delves into the mixed reactions Darwin faced from both the scientific community and religious circles, revealing the ongoing legacy of his groundbreaking ideas.
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insights INSIGHT
Adaptation Before Darwin
Pre-Darwinian thinkers recognized adaptation in organisms.
They lacked a mechanism to explain how this adaptation arose naturally.
insights INSIGHT
The Role of Fossils and Deep Time
Fossils and the growing understanding of Earth's history challenged existing theories.
These discoveries raised questions about extinct species and their relation to current life.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Buffon's Earth Age Estimate
Buffon, an 18th-century scholar, proposed that Earth was much older than previously thought.
He theorized that planets formed from debris from the sun, estimating Earth to be at least 70,000 years old.
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Written in the early 50s BC, *On the Nature of Things* is a six-book poem that delves into the principles of Epicurean philosophy. It explores the atomic system, the nature of the mind and spirit, sensation and thought, and various celestial and terrestrial phenomena. The poem aims to show that everything in nature can be explained by natural laws without divine intervention, thereby promoting a life of tranquility and happiness. Lucretius argues against the fear of death and the gods, emphasizing that the universe operates according to physical principles guided by chance rather than divine will[2][4][5].
On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin
Published on November 24, 1859, 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin is a seminal work in scientific literature. The book presents a comprehensive theory of evolution, arguing that species evolve over generations through the process of natural selection. Darwin supported his theory with evidence collected during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, as well as from subsequent research, correspondence, and experimentation. The book addresses the struggle for existence, the variability of species, and the principle of divergence, explaining how natural selection leads to the adaptation and diversification of life on Earth. It has been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and has had significant impacts on both scientific and public discourse[2][4][5].
David talks to geneticist and science writer Adam Rutherford about the book that fundamentally altered our understanding of just about everything: Darwin’s On The Origin of Species (1859). What made the idea of natural selection so different from the theories of evolution that preceded it? How did Darwin arrive at it? What changed when he published his theory and why is it, in so many ways, the most revolutionary idea of them all?
Out tomorrow on PPF+ Darwin Part 2: Adam Rutherford explores how Darwin’s ideas evolved after 1859 and how the revolution in thinking that he started has continued to this day. To get this and all our bonus episodes plus ad-free listening sign up to PPF+ now https://www.ppfideas.com/join-ppf-plus
Next time: PPF Live recorded at the Regent Street Cinema: Network w/Helen Lewis
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