Common descent links all living organisms from "summary" of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
Darwin proposes that all living organisms on Earth are connected through a shared ancestry, tracing back to a common origin. This concept of common descent forms the foundation of his theory of evolution. By observing the similarities in structure, function, and genetic makeup among different species, Darwin concludes that all organisms are related through a process of gradual modification over time. The idea of common descent challenges the traditional view that each species was independently created by a divine being. Instead, Darwin suggests that all living beings are part of a continuous tree of life, branching out from a single common ancestor. This interconnectedness explains the unity and diversity of life on Earth, as organisms have evolved and diversified through natural selection and adaptation to their environments. Through the ...
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