22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Evolutionary Thought Before Darwin
David M. Hayes
Dr. Jonathan C. Gering, Faculty Mentor
Many people believe that Charles Darwin was the first to develop a theory of biological evolution. In reality, many scientific thinkers had proposed theories explaining the origin of biological diversity prior to Darwin's publication of The Origin of Species. These ideas laid the groundwork for much of Darwin's theory of natural selection. This poster showcases three pre-Darwinian models, including The Great Chain of Being, Buffon's theory of degeneration, and Lamarck's model of evolution. Each of these models is discussed and refuted in light of modern biological theory. The poster concludes with a discussion of how Darwin's theory of natural selection differed from the previous theories.
Keywords: Charles Darwin, Evolution
Topic(s):Darwin Bicentennial
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-1
Location: PML
Time: 4:15