Search video of National Geographic: "Naked Science - Evolution, Was Darwin Wrong?" (2006)
Russian translation:
Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution (Brief Summary)
Darwin's theory of evolution is based on five key observations and inferences drawn from them. These observations and inferences have been summarized by the great biologist Ernst Mayr as follows:
1) Species have great fertility. They make more offspring than can grow to adulthood.
2) Populations remain roughly the same size, with modest fluctuations.
3) Food resources are limited, but are relatively constant most of the time.
From these three observations it may be inferred that in such an environment there will be a struggle for survival among individuals.
4) In sexually reproducing species, generally no two individuals are identical. Variation is rampant.
5) Much of this variation is heritable.
From this it may be inferred: In a world of stable populations where each individual must struggle to survive, those with the "best" characteristics will be more likely to survive, and those desirable traits will be passed to their offspring. These advantageous characteristics are inherited by following generations, becoming dominant among the population through time. This is natural selection. It may be further inferred that natural selection, if carried far enough, makes changes in a population, eventually leading to new species. These observations have been amply demonstrated in biology, and even fossils demonstrate the veracity of these observations.
To summarise Darwin's Theory of Evolution;
1. Variation: There is Variation in Every Population.
2. Competition: Organisms Compete for limited resources.
3. Offspring: Organisms produce more Offspring than can survive.
4. Genetics: Organisms pass Genetic traits on to their offspring.
5. Natural Selection: Those organisms with the Most Beneficial Traits
are more likely to Survive and Reproduce.
Darwin imagined it might be possible that all life is descended from an original species from ancient times. DNA evidence supports this idea.
Probably all organic beings which have ever lived on this earth have descended from some one primordial life form. There is grandeur in this view of life that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved. (Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species)
Thank you for posting this charming movie about Darwin’s Theory. I am a great fan of Darwin and his work. But still I see the great danger in overrating it. Especially when it comes to the subject of general questions about the development of a human society. We have to ask: can this theory give us a full explanation about the principals of human life. Or is it just covering one aspect of life. One little way of looking at things that are greater than a scientific theory of selection and survival of the fittest. If you read certain theories, e.g. those of the famous author Ayn Rand, you can see the dangerous impact that Darwin’s theory can have.
Yes, you are right. Evolution is very dangerous way for human society and even Richard Dawkins once told that he does not want to live in fully evlutional society.
But I think humans are not support 100% of the evolutional principles.
The existence of the charity organisations and socialism societies proves that humans are not fully animals anymore.