Chapter Summary: The Origin Of Species By Charles Darwin

“The Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin published in 1859 was an extremely important yet controversial work of scientific literature. At a time in history so rich with religion, Charles Darwin challenged the Christian ideal that God was the creator of all of the universe. Although Darwin is such a controversial person in history, he was also an extremely influential scientist. His work challenged the way of thinking in 1859 and provided the people of the late 19th century with a new way of looking at the beginning of life. In chapter III of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, Darwin explains the “Struggle for Existence” that organisms face in their environments. In chapter IV Darwin completely outlines his entire theory of “Natural Selection” In Chapter III, Darwin explains that slight changes in organisms and species allow these organisms to become completely adapted to their environment. These variations allow the plants and animals to withstand the harsh conditions …show more content…
Darwin states: “Can the principle of selection, which we have seen so potent in the hands of man, apply in nature?” (51) Darwin explains that nature has the power to allow these variations in organisms that increase their chance of survival when the organism reproduces and nature also has the power to limit these organisms. Darwin also outlines his theory of sexual selection that is unrelated to a species variation for survival but rather variation for reproduction. Darwin states that male organisms can adapt to certain variations that make them more attractive to female organisms. These adaptations can also be passed down to offspring. In his chart (320) Darwin explains that these variations that organisms undergo create two different scenarios: branches of related species that die out or branches that multiply and make subspecies that exist and thrive in their