37 Questions
What did the scientific debate about evolution lead to in 1870?
Acceptance of evolution as a scientific fact
What was the view of naturalists about species before the 5th edition of 'Origin of Species' was published?
They believed species were immutable productions and had been separately created
What was the main criticism of natural selection during Darwin's time?
It seemed too random and did not allow divine intervention
What did the discovery of Neanderthal fossils reveal about their similarity to humans?
They had a very human-like skull but with different head and face shapes
What did the gradual evolution of the horse fossils show?
A series of fossils demonstrated the gradual change in the size and structure of the horse
What did the popular science writer Grant Allen criticize about natural selection?
He claimed it reflected Victorian social values and did not allow divine intervention
What did Darwin's theory of evolution lead to in 1870?
Acceptance as a scientific fact
What was the influence of Darwin's thought, according to his obituaries?
It revolutionized biology, all science, philosophy, and human life
What was the view of naturalists about species in the 3rd edition of 'Origin of Species'?
They believed species were immutable productions and had been separately created
Who was a vigorous defender of Darwin's theory but not fully convinced?
Thomas Henry Huxley
Which scientist praised Darwin's idea and predicted it would become an established truth in science?
H.C Watson
Who combined Darwin's theory with his religious beliefs, leading Darwin to cite him in the next edition of his book?
Charles Kingsley
Who focused on the blending inheritance argument in a negative review of evolution, using a racist hypothetical story to make his point?
Fleeming Jenkin
Where did the 1860 meeting that was pivotal in the reception of Darwin's theory take place?
Oxford University Museum
What emerged through Henry Walter Bates' research on mimicry, leading to the development of Batesian Mimicry theory?
New evidence for Darwin's theory
What does Batesian Mimicry explain?
How unrelated species of butterflies in the same area evolve to look like distasteful ones
What did Louis Agassiz believe about Darwin's theory of evolution?
He considered it a scientific mistake, untrue in its facts, unscientific in its method, and mischievous in its tendency.
What was the reaction of the local newspaper to Darwin's book?
It hardly mentioned the book.
How did people's reactions to Darwin's theory tend to correlate?
With their class, religion, education, and ideological tendencies.
What was Samuel Wilberforce's reaction to Darwin's theory?
He wrote a very negative review of the book.
What did some objections to Darwin's theory stem from?
Religious views.
What did Charles Lyell's student do regarding the evolution book?
Published the most important evolution book.
What was the major objection of some people to Darwin's theory?
God makes species, not nature.
Who discovered the first fossil feather in 1860, challenging Darwin's theory of evolution?
Paul Du Chaillu
What did the fossil records show, contradicting Darwin's suggestion?
Chunkier rather than progressive change
Who emphasized divine intervention in the process of variation, supporting Darwin's theory?
Asa Gray
Who sought to preserve human uniqueness through anatomical differences, disagreeing with Darwin?
Richard Owen
Who struggled to accept the theory of human descent from animals?
Charles Lyell
Who presented a radical perspective on human evolution, emphasizing the similarity of primate skeletons?
T. H. Huxley
Despite controversies and challenges, whose theory of evolution found support and sparked debates in the 19th century?
Charles Darwin
Who discovered the first fossil feather in 1860?
Paul Du Chaillu
What did the fossil records show, contradicting Darwin's suggestion?
Chunkier rather than progressive change
Who discovered the transitional fossil Archaeopteryx?
Richard Owen
What evidence supports the claim that birds are descendants of dinosaurs?
Bipedal nature and shared scales with dinosaurs
Who emphasized divine intervention in the process of variation while supporting Darwin's theory?
Asa Gray
Who sought to preserve human uniqueness through anatomical differences, leading to a debate with Huxley?
Richard Owen
Whose book 'Man's Place in Nature' presented a radical perspective on human evolution?
T. H. Huxley
Study Notes
The Impact of Fossil Feathers and Evolutionary Theory in the 19th Century
- In 1860, the first fossil feather was discovered, challenging Darwin's theory of evolution
- Fossil records showed a "chunkier" rather than progressive change, contradicting Darwin's suggestion
- Archaeopteryx, a transitional fossil, was discovered in 1861-1863, with features of both reptiles and birds
- Birds are descendants of dinosaurs, as evidenced by their bipedal nature and shared scales with dinosaurs
- Asa Gray, a friend of Darwin, supported his theory but emphasized divine intervention in the process of variation
- Paul Du Chaillu's book on gorillas in 1861 led to implications about human evolution, but some of his stories were exaggerated
- Richard Owen, a prominent anatomist, sought to preserve human uniqueness through anatomical differences
- Owen's disagreement with Darwin led to the "Great Hippocampus Question" and a debate with Huxley
- Charles Lyell, a friend of Darwin, struggled to accept the theory of human descent from animals
- Lyell's book "Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man" explored the age of human beings on Earth
- T. H. Huxley's book "Man's Place in Nature" presented a radical perspective on human evolution, emphasizing the similarity of primate skeletons
- Despite controversies and challenges, Darwin's theory of evolution found support and sparked debates in the 19th century
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
