The Origin of Species

Establishing the thesis of natural selection as fundamental to the maturity of species, the author sketches the origin of our ancestral forms in such a detail as to make the subject interesting albeit a little want of illustrations. Critically studying such diverse samples, both in quantity and variety, their results are discussed not only from the perspective of the followers but also from that of the opposers as well. Logically analysing the range of findings, the justifications supporting the conjectures for the development of species have been established. Exceptions are pointed at and clarified within the scope of the theory and the shortcomings are hinted at for following up by the future analysts in the field. The depth of the study and the sheer size of the samples taken will keep the readers in awe of the patience and understanding of one of the chief architects of modern science, Darwin whose revolutionary ideas like struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, to name a few, seemed to be based not only on a handful of observations but a gigantic sample encompassing literally the earth in its diversified flora and fauna. Categorizing the various lifeforms that populated the earth for ages in classes, genres, species, the integration between them have been clearly explained. With my limited knowledge of biology, it seems everything except mutation has been covered, though its necessity is hinted, principally to decipher the origin of the living beings, essentially highlighting that the fundamental concept of gene might not have been known at that time. Emphasising on logical analysis based on geographically distributed samples, the book is recommended for matured readers. The long sentences used might be a bit difficult for many but the scientific terms used will not be so due to the glossary appended alongwith. The painstaking research will be surely appreciated as will be the standard of reasoning based on analysis without the tools and resources that advanced technologies had yet to implement. The tracing of our ancestral origin will not only be a wondrous revelation to many but will award a critical perspective of viewing living creatures in future.