by The Legacies of Darwinian Evolution have had many profound impacts on society. One of the most lasting effects of it is the introduction and establishment of hereditary genes and how they affect families for generations. The genes from which we get from our parents, share with our siblings, and eventually pass on to our children may be an afterthought to some, but can be a dominating force in another’s life. Because the amount of genes that are passed down through our chromosomes are quite numerous, it is very difficult to determine exactly which ones do in order to have some type of idea of genetic inheritance. Yet through the work of Charles Darwin, Gregor Medel and other notable scientists of which we discussed shed some light through experiments, such as the Galapagos Finches and various plants, as to the process of hereditary genes and how these processes can help us determine the genes that were passed down and how those genes affect our lives.
The legacy of Darwinian Evolution, that being the hereditary inheritance of genetic diseases and disorders is a specific example of how Darwin’s work has influenced today’s world. These genetic disorders and diseases such as certain types of cancer, Hemophilia, Parkinson’s, Downs Syndrome, Autism and many other genetic disorders can have very drastic effects on the quality of life of those suffering from them. One such example shows us how the chance and still unknown nature of science forces people to make drastic decisions for the sake of survival. Breast Cancer is a cancer that has been discovered to be caused by the mutation of the gene BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 on chromosome 13. While Breast cancer isn’t solely caused by this mutation, a large portion of those that suffer or suffered from it had the mutation. Since this relatively recent discovery in the gene, the rate of mastectomies in the past few decades has been steadily increasing. What this may tell us about science in society today and how Darwinian Evolution relates to is that people depend upon it to survive, and are growing more dependent upon the chance of their own genetics for decisions about their health.
Darwinian evolution and its legacies can also tell us about science and society today is that if there is a scientific discovery that is so revolutionary and against an era’s previously established thought, it is most likely to be rejected instead of embraced for its potential for helping humans develop and progress as a species by allowing them to heighten their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In simplest terms, according to Darwin’s theory of evolution, our destinies, or roles in life, are almost predetermined by our genetics. His theory suggested that our role, and ultimately sole purpose in life was to be born, gather as much information, whether it’s physical or mental, and then to find a mate and pass as much of that information to your offspring. Darwin made our long and emotionally filled lives seem so insignificant and tiny in the grand scheme of history and human development. This may help explain to us why his discovery and science discoveries that help us comprehend the world around us often clash with societal views because they usually make our quaint and fleeting existence in the universe so apparent.