Case 1: Adaptation and Evolution

The vast majority of students (and adults) are willing to accept the concept of evolution as a phenomenon, namely that species evolved because of their effort and need for progress, and the inheritance of acquired characteristics as a cause of changes on species (theory proposed by Lamarck).

They do not consider that there is a relationship that connects living beings of the past with the present. As Darwin proposed in his theory of evolution, 'genetic variations involved in evolution are essentially minimal and inheritable' takes years and years to observe one species to appreciate the evolutionary changes affecting these.

Hence the simple example of the neck of the giraffe:

 

 1. A herd of giraffes shows a variation in the length of his neck (some longer than others).

2. Natural selection does survive only those individuals with long necks that can feed.

3. Natural selection has led to survive giraffes with longer necks.