The
Evolution of Evolution:
What amounts for the similarity among many species?
Creationist-
The divine plan of creation (purpose unknown) produced the basic "kinds" of organisms.
Lamarckian-
Decent from a common ancestor.
Darwin-
Descent from a common ancestor.
Modern Biology-
Descent from a common ancestor.
What accounts for the origin of variations among members of a species?
Creationist-
Although they can be environmentally caused, they are part of the divine plan of creation.
Lamarckian-
Environmentally caused.
Darwin-
At times: Unknown causation.
At times: environmental changes cause new variations, although the variations may be in any direction.
Modern Biology-
Heritable differences are caused by random changes (mutation) in the genetic material.
Noninheritable differences are caused by the environment.
What accounts for the presence of particular organs and structures through time?
Creationist-
They were initially designed so by the creator.
Many present creationists believe that organ defects, diseases, etc., are caused by the fall of humans from divine grace and/or intervention by the devil.
Lamarckian-
Use enhances the development of adaptive variations, and disuse eliminates nonadaptive ones.
Darwin-
Natural Selection perpetuates only adaptive traits and eliminates nonadaptive traits.
At times: use and disuse.
Modern Biology-
Primarily natural selection but other forces may be involved. (such as mutation)
What accounts for the variation among species?
Creationist-
The seperate creation of each species.
Many present creationists believe that the original "kinds" of organisms were perfect, and variations leading to species have been degenerative.
Lamarckian-
Each species has responded to different environmental needs by developing new organs or discarding old ones.
Darwin-
At times: Selective differences among species account for their changed inheritance.
At times: Differences in the use and disuse of particular organs has changed inheritance.
Modern Biology-
Changes occur in the genetic material of each species through the process of mutation and the various forces that change gene frequencies.
What accounts for the resemblance of organisms to their parents?
Creationist-
Mechanisms unknown, but acquired characters are inherited as part of the divine plan.
Lamarckian-
Those characters acquired through use and disuse are inherited through a pangenesislike process.
Darwin-
At times: unknown
At times: pangenesis
Modern Biology-
Transmission of genetic material through the germ plasm.
- From Strickenberger's "Evolution, 3rd Edition"