Question

(a) Explain the Darwinian theory of evolution with the help of one suitable example. State the two key concepts of the theory.
(b) Mention three characteristics of Neanderthal man that lived in near east and central Asia.

Answer 1

Charles Darwin formulated the concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ in nature. Homo sapiens neanderthals are an extinct species or subspecies of humans. It is believed that they lived in Eurasia 40,000 years ago.

Complete answer:
a) Based on observations made during a sea voyage around the world, Charles Darwin formulated a theory of evolution and named it ‘theory of natural selection’. The key concepts of the theory are:
- There has been a gradual and evident evolution of life forms.
- Any population has some built-in variations in its characteristics. Those characteristics which enable
some organisms to survive better in natural conditions (climate, food, physical factors, etc.) would outbreed other characteristics that are less advantageous to survival under such natural conditions.
- Darwin regards ‘fitness’ ultimately and only to reproductive fitness.
- Hence, those who are better and fit in an environment, leave more progeny than others. These, therefore, will survive longer and hence are selected by nature.
Let's try to understand the theory with the help of an example.
An interesting observation supporting evolution by natural selection comes from England. In the 1850s, before industrialization, more white-winged moths were observed than dark-winged moths. After industrialization that is around 1920, the population of melanized moths increased. An explanation for this was given that light winged moths can be easily spotted by predators against the dark background caused due to pollution and smoke.
Before seeing the characteristics of Neanderthal man, let us try to know who they were.
b) These were the people who are believed to have lived in the near east and central Asia between 1,00,000-40,000 years back.
Now, let's see some characteristics of Neanderthal man.
- The size of the brain of a Neanderthal man was 1400 cc.
- They possessed a higher muscle mass.
- The neanderthal man showed a faster growth rate.
- The exhibited greater body heat production against the cold.

Note:
- The Neanderthal man buried their people after death.
- To cover and protect their body Neanderthal men use animal hides. Animal hide is treated animal skin for human use.
- These men showed a high rate of traumatic injury.