Study GuideBiology–Principles of Evolution1. History of the Theory of Evolution1.1 What Is Evolution?Evolution means change over time. In biology, it refers to changes in the characteristics of apopulation of organisms across manygenerations. These changes do not happen all at once. Instead,they occur slowly over long periods of time.1.2 Early Ideas About EvolutionThe idea of evolution is very old. Ancient Greek philosophers were already thinking about how livingthings might be connected. Some believed that all organisms were related in some way, even if theconnection was distant.One famous Greek philosopher, Aristotle, suggested the idea of a “ladder of life.” According to thisview, simple organisms were at the bottom, and more complex organisms were at the top. Hebelieved life moved step by step from simple forms to more advanced ones.1.3 Religious Views and CreationismNot everyone agreed with these ideas. Many religious leaders believed in creationism, which is basedon the biblical account of creation in the Book of Genesis. They argued that all living things werecreated exactly as they are now.One religious scholar, James Ussher, even calculated the exact time of creation. He claimed thatEarth was created on October 26, 4004 B.C., at 9 a.m.1.4 Discoveries in Geology Challenge Old BeliefsAs science progressed, geologists began to question the idea that Earth was only a few thousandyears old. Their studies suggested that Earth must be much older.Preview Mode
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