Creation1

Events in the History of Evolutionary Thought

  • Bishop Ussher

    Archbishop James Ussher uses biblical chronology to calculate when Heaven and Earth were created (4004 B.C.) Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Spontaneous Generation

    Can non-living matter produce life? New instruments of magnification help initiate further scientific research especially or Francesco Redi as he tries to answer this question. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Linnaues’s Systema Naturae

    Carl von Linne tries to create a system to categorize all living organisms on Earth. He categorized them by kingdoms, classes, orders, genera and species. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Comte de Buffon

    Buffon speculates that livings creatures evolves due to natural laws. Also, he stated that maybe living creatures came from one ancestor and even went as far as saying that humans and apes are related. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Natural Theology

    Natural Theology
    William Paley comes up with the theory of Natural Theology. He says that God had some contribution into creating life. An organ is such a complicated organ just like a water, thus it had to be created by an intelligent designer. Image: William Paley's "Natural Theology" book
    Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Lamark

    Lamark
    A French naturalist, Jean-Baptiste de Lamark, proposes that living things evolve to become more complex as the years progress. He also claims that "vital forces" within a creature adapt to their environments. Image: Lamark's theory of long necks Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Cuvier and Catastrophism

    Cuvier and Catastrophism
    Georges Cuvier uses fossils to explain catastrophism. He explains that natural disasters like floods and earthquakes are the reason of extinction of creatures during that time that become completely wipes out. Image: Georges Cuvier Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Immense Age - Lyell

    Immense Age - Lyell
    Charles Lyell brings up the idea of life on Earth being longer than six thousand years as it was claimed then. He then further explains how this theory explains the slow pace if Earth's geology. This theory is also used by Darwin when he ties all his ideas together about natural selection. Image: Charles Lyell Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Darwin's Secret Notebook

    While Darwin was on the Beagle, he pursues his radical idea of looking at Galapagos birds. This is where he comes to the conclusion that new species can evolve over time from a common ancestor. He labels this "transmutation of species" in his notebook. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Lord Kelvin (William Thomas)

    A British scientist proclaims that the earth has been around for roughly around 100 million years. William Thomas estimates that the earth has cooled slowly over the years, which formed as a molten mass. He guesses that the earth has been around for 40 million years but diversity on earth has been around for 20. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Flint Tools

    The discussion over how long humans have been around for has been raised again when there was a discovery of a underlying cave where there were reindeer antlers and flint knives as well as mammal bones found. Some of the bones were found split and stripped of their bone marrow. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection

    Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection
    After the publication of of Darwin's book it becomes very influential as it states a logical explanation of how evolution works; instead of artificial selection it is natural selection. Image: "Origin of Species" written by Charles Darwin Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Ape Debate

    Once again, the debate if whether or not how human's evolution fits with the "origin of species." a meeting made up of Britain leading scientists attack Darwin's theory that humans are no exception to the theory. Some believed we share DNA with apes and some don't. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Mendal's Experiment

    Mendal's Experiment
    Mendel does an experiment in a churches garden where is compared traits and pea plants, which allowed the discovery of the theory of inheritance and genetics being passed down further down the road. Image: Pea experiments (left) and Gregor Mendel (right) Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Evolution Accpeted

    After the "The Origin of Species" by Darwin was published in 1959, the theory of evolution became more accepted by some. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • The Descent of Man

    Unlike Darwin's take on Origin of Species, Darwin writes a new book about "sexual selection." He discusses how species are not only fit for survival but also irresistible to the opposite sex to create offspring. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Horse Fossils

    Horse Fossils
    Thomas Huxley, an advocate of evolution, and fossil hunter Charles Marsh discovered (using fossils) that an ancient horse called Phenacodus had multi-toed feet rather than hooves. They predicts, that a more ancient five-toed animal existed. Image: Phenacodus Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Social Darwinism - 1880 - 1920

    Concept of "survival of the fittest" brought forward by Herbert Spencer Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Theistic Evolution

    Asa Gray, a traditional Christian, notes that “species are all a part of one system, realizations in nature of the conception of one mind.” Theistic evolution are views that regard religious teachings about God are compatible with evolution. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Radioactivity

    Radioactivity allows physicists, Antoine Henri Becquerel, to calculate Earth’s new age of 4.3 billion years old by using new rock-dating techniques. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Mendal's Experiment Part 2

    Mendal's Experiment Part 2
    Mendel becomes well-known (especially in the field of genetics) for discovering that traits of parents are NOT “blended” in the offspring. Image: Gregor Mendel Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • WCFA - Darwinian Evolution

    WCFA - Darwinian Evolution
    The group of "fundamentalist" got together to start a rally against the people who were being influenced by the modern day theory of natural selection by Darwin. The group doesn't believe that the people should lose faith in God over "just a theory" Image: World's Christian Fundamentals Association protest against evolution at high schools. Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • William Jenning Bryan

    William Jenning Bryan
    William Bryan was a very influential American politician, who has run three times for the Democratic Party, that convinced many people that the theory of evolution is just letting our kids lose their faith in God and that the theory is absurd. Image: William Bryan Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Anti - Evolution Bill

    There has been around 30 bills passed that goes against teaching evolution in schools or anywhere for that matter due to the fact many politicians believed it went against their religion to do so. They didn't want the teaching of evolution to influence their children, who also happen to be the future generation. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Raymond Dart - "man like ape"

    In Taungs, a "man like ape" was discovered in the limestones that were found near an ancient baboon that had its skull open and apparently the brain was the source of food that this "man like ape" has eaten. Due to this discovery Robert Dart received hate from critics. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Scopes Trial

    William Bryan leads a trial prosecuting against John Scopes as it sees that there is a battle to uphold Christianity. On the contrary he defense, Clearance Darrow, believes that this is more of a fight of social conservatism rather than Darwinism. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Neo - Darwinism

    Neo - Darwinism
    Scientists showed new insights into evolution and finally understand that the random genetic mutations can cause changes traits in the organism and then these inherited traits are later spread through the population by natural selection. Thus, the connection to Darwin. Image: Evolution of fruit fles Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • DDT

    In Darwin's theory, he predicted the insects with the traits that will allow them to survive, increase the numbers that will later be seen with anti-biotic resistant bacteria. This showed evidence of rapid evolutions as it was used in the batter of mosquitos spreading malaria in the 1940's. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Pope Pius XII

    Pope Pius XII
    This pope came up with the hypothesis that human evolution equals difference in body and soul. He said "if the human body takes its origin from pre-existent living matter, the spiritual soul is immediately created by God" Image: Pope Pius XII Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Origin of Life

    Origin of Life
    A scientist names Stanley Miller produces amino acid which is electric currents that act as lightening and inorganic chemicals that replicate ancient Earth. These are known as the key chemical building blocks of life,which help show that the first life on Earth possibly could have started through natural process. Image: Amino acid Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • DNA

    During this time, scientists are familiar with the idea of genes determining the traits of living things and they are passed through generations but recently discovered the double-helix,which is the formation of DNA. This tells the details of what and how genes works. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Genesis Flood

    Genesis Flood
    A lot of people knew that the Earth was millions of years old and the Christians believes that the Genesis used the "day-age" and "gap" theory, but the publishing of The Genesis Flood changed that. Image: "The Genesis Flood" written by John C. Whitcomb and Henry M. Morris Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google.
  • Human and Apes

    Human and Apes
    Researchers compared the DNA of humans, orangutans, and African apes (gorillas and chimpanzees), and found evidence that humans are more closely related to African apes than African apes are to orangutans. Image: Skeleton of a human body and African ape. Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Lucy

    Lucy
    Lucy is a 4-million-year-old fossil found by Donald Johanson. It’s 40% complete skeleton, shows evidence that an ancient human ancestor had a small, ape-size brain, and walked upright. Image: Donald Johanson and Lucy Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Sociobiology

    Is human behavior determined biologically or through evolution? Edward O. Wilson debates with these two topics and comes up with the term “sociobiology” to describe how social behavior has resulted in evolution. Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/
  • Creationism Spreads Worldwide

    Creationism Spreads Worldwide
    Creationism is a belief of the universe being created by God. Although this movement started in the U.S., it was particularly big in Australia with the help of a creationist, Ken Hamm. Movement spread to New Zealand, Korea, Russia and Turkey. Check out this debate between Bill Nye and Ken Hamm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6kgvhG3AkI Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Supreme Court on “Equal Time”

    Supreme Court on “Equal Time”
    In 1987, the Louisiana bill, Edwards v. Aguillard, was overruled by the Supreme Court because they believed it “endorses the religion belief of a supernatural being created mankind.” Although their bill was denied, this did not stop the movement from spreading. Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • DNA Code

    DNA Code
    Advanced technology helps the decoding process of DNA sequences to be faster and easier. At this point in time, scientists can see DNA of organisms at a molecular level. Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • “Darwinism on Trial”

    “Darwinism on Trial”
    Professor Phillip Johnson triggers the Intelligent Design movement with the help of his popular book, “Darwinism on Trial”. This campaign supports the ideas of Natural Theology when evolution fails to explain the complexity of the Earth and its living organisms. Image: Phillip Johnson's book, "Darwin On Trial" Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Darwin’s Black Box

    Darwin’s Black Box
    “Darwin’s Black Box”, is a book written by Michael Behe, an ID advocate and a biochemist. This book received many criticism from scientists including some of the cited biologists found in Behe’s book when explaining his evidence against evolution. Image: "Darwin's Black Box" by Michael Behe Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Pope John Paul II Endorses Evolution

    Pope John Paul II Endorses Evolution
    Pope John Paul II announces that “evolution is compatible with Christianity faith”. This event lead to many Catholics accepting evolution. Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Human Genome

    Human Genome
    Scientists discover how human’s genes are 98% the same as chimpanzees and how closely similar they are to fruit flies and yeast. This discovery has helped scientists understand the evolution of humans over the past billions of years. Image: Comparison of a human's chromosomes and a chimpanzee's chromosomes. Sources:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/ Image retrieved from Google
  • Federal Court Rejects Intelligent Design

    High school biology teachers are forced to teach ID as a legitimate, alternative scientific theory to explain the origin of life. According to the court judge, John Jones III, ID “is a religious view, a mere re-labeling creationism, and not a scientific theory.” Source:
    Evolution Revolution. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/religion/revolution/