Darwinism stated by Darwin himself: Characteristic passages from the writings of Charles DarwinDarwin, Charles
Science
Darwinism stated by Darwin himself: Characteristic passages from the writings of Charles Darwin
Darwin, Charles
Evolution (Biology)
Natural selection can not possibly produce any modification in a
species exclusively for the good of another species; though throughout
nature one species incessantly takes advantage of, and profits by, the
structures of others. But natural selection can and does often produce
structures for the direct injury of other animals, as we see in the
fang of the adder, and in the ovipositor of the ichneumon, by which its
eggs are deposited in the living bodies of other insects. If it could
be proved that any part of the structure of any one species had been
formed for the exclusive good of another species, it would annihilate
my theory, for such could not have been produced through natural
selection. Although many statements may be found in works on natural
history to this effect, I can not find even one which seems to me of
any weight. It is admitted that the rattlesnake has a poison-fang for
its own defense, and for the destruction of its prey; but some authors
suppose that at the same time it is furnished with a rattle for its
own injury, namely, to warn its prey. I would almost as soon believe
that the cat curls the end of its tail when preparing to spring, in
order to warn the doomed mouse. It is a much more probable view that
the rattlesnake uses its rattle, the cobra expands its frill, and the
puff-adder swells while hissing so loudly and harshly, in order to
alarm the many birds and beasts which are known to attack even the
most venomous species. Snakes act on the same principle which makes
the hen ruffle her feathers and expand her wings when a dog approaches
her chickens; but I have not space here to enlarge on the many ways by
which animals endeavor to frighten away their enemies.
Natural selection will never produce in a being any structure more
injurious than beneficial to that being, for natural selection acts
solely by and for the good of each. No organ will be formed, as Paley
has remarked, for the purpose of causing pain or for doing an injury to
its possessor. If a fair balance be struck between the good and evil
caused by each part, each will be found on the whole advantageous.
After the lapse of time, under changing conditions of life, if any part
comes to be injurious, it will be modified; or, if it be not so, the
being will become extinct as myriads have become extinct.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account