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Evolution as we know it today began with an historic trip to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 by naturalist Charles Darwin.

There, he collected information later published in his famous The Origin of Species.

The new research intrigued scientists and others with its answer to a long sought-after and fundamental question — how and where did life, and humans, begin?

Natural Selection - Evolution Explained

Although similar theories on the origins of life existed throughout history, Darwin was the first to explain evolution via natural selection.

The theory explained how creatures who were best adapted to their environment enabled them to pass on their genes to offspring. Thus, in a winner-take-all game of "survival of the fittest", adapative species often prospered and predominated over less adaptable ones.

Over time, the genetic pool sometimes resulted in a slightly altered species and, sometimes, the emergence of an entirely new one.

Evolution, Creationism & Intelligent Design

The genetic detective work that followed - illustrating how man evolved from primates - soon raised serious objections throughout the world, especially in communities professing a strong belief in Bibilical interpretations of creation.

Nowhere was this more evident than in the U.S., where religious fervor eventually resulted in the now-famous Scope's Monkey Trial in which a Tennesse teacher was taken to court in 1925 for teaching evolution in the classroom.

Even today, Darwin's theory on mankind's origins remains a hotbed of contention in America where according to a 2001 Gallup Poll proponents of creationism and intelligent design still made up about 45% of the population.

As the God vs natural selection debate continues, evidence mounts in overwhelming favor of Darwin's theory as scientists point to new fossil evidence being discovered and examples of how evolution through natural selection occurs even today.

Darwin Day

February 12 is Darwin Day, celebrating the birth of the British naturalist born in London on that day in 1809. In 2009, special 200th anniversary celebrations promoted in universities, science centers - and, of course, on the Web and in the media - paid special tribute to the man who began the "evolution revolution" which continues to be tested (and to spark controversy) well into the 21st century.

Origin Day

2009 also marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of one of the most explosive and groundbreaking works in science history, Charles Darwin’s "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection". Celebrations and events to mark the occasion, like that sponsored by the British Council's Darwin Now program, are planned worldwide on November 24, 2009.

More about evolution around the Web:

Around the Web, learn more about evolution and Darwin's theory at top sites offering more information on its history with photos, illustrations and video clips, recent news & information on genetic research, along with more on the current controversy surrounding evolution and religious teaching ....

Understanding Evolution - In-depth University of California Museum of Paleontology guide to the topic with a survey of the available evidence, recent news reports & webcasts, classroom activities & lesson plans, with resources to more information on natural selection, the history of evolutionary theory and genetics.

Evolution - PBS companion site to its NOVA science series with details on the life and work of Charles Darwin, famous examples of evolutionary survival and adaption, video clips and interactive exhibits, student & teacher resources, FAQ.

Hall of Human Origins - American Museum of Natural History - Virtual tour of the newest wing of the New York City museum featuring interactive online exhibits, related resources on fossils & genetics, teacher guide, visitor information.

BBC Science & Nature - The evolution of man - Companion site to the television series chronicliing the rise of homo heidelbergensis, the neantherdals and homo sapiens, with information on important fossil discoveries, photos & images, hyperlinks to related BBC presentations.

Early Theories of Evolution - An examination of similar theories throughout history, evidence in support of the Darwin's theory, teacher resources including interactive flash cards, sample Web expedition.

Evolution, Creationism and Intelligent Design Controversy - Join the fray with an overview of positions taken by each of its proponents, with important essays, events & other major sources of information on the evolution debate, suggested reading and a directory of resources to further information.

Strange Science: What is Evolution? - Kid-friendly history covering pre-Darwinian theory to present-day religious controversies with suggested books, related resources, photos & illustrations.

also see in Science -> Cloning | Dinosaurs | Fossils