The search for an explanation for the origin of life started long before the publication of Charles Darwin’sOrigin of Species in 1859. The first naturalistic theory of life arising from non-life, known as spontaneous generation, is attributable to Aristotle and ancient Greek philosophy.
Darwin rejected the Genesis account of creation written by Moses. Lingering doubts over the origins of life, however, forced Darwin to reject atheism and embrace agnosticism –
“The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us, and I, for one, must be content to remain an Agnostic.”
In the paper, Wendruff and Wilson present a newly discovered coelacanth species found surprisingly on the rocky slopes of the Canadian Rockies, British Columbia.
The species named Rebellatrix divaricerca means “rebel coelacanth (with a) forked tail.” Far different from today’s Indian Ocean coelacanths, these ancient rebel fast-swimming predators further undermine attempts to develop a cohesive coelacanth evolution saga.
Darwin, Then and Now, the Most Amazing Story in the History of Science, chronicles Darwin's life, how he developed his hypothesis, specifically what he said, and what scientists have discovered since the publication of The Origin of Species in 1859.
The book traces the rise and fall of evolution's popularity as a scientifically valid theory. With over 1,000 references from Darwin and scientists, Darwin Then and Now retraces developments in the most amazing story in the history of science.
Darwin Then and Now is an educational resource focusing on understanding the intersection of evolution and science to develop basic skills for analyzing and assessing the theory of biological evolution.
The search for an explanation for the origin of life started long before the publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species in 1859. The first naturalistic theory of life arising from non-life, known as spontaneous generation, is attributable to Aristotle and ancient Greek philosophy.
Andrew J. Wendruff