Then, in November, eighteen fifty-nine, Darwin released the results of all his work on evolution. The book was called "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life." It was an immediate success.
BARBARA KLEIN: The "Origin of Species" was praised by many scientists. But religious leaders denounced it. For them, evolution opposed the explanation of creation found in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Today, almost all scientists accept the theory of evolution. But many non-scientists are unsure about whether humans evolved over millions of years. In the United States, public opinion studies have shown that less than half the population believes in evolution.
STEVE EMBER: Natural selection does not explain everything about why species evolve. Darwin did not know about Gregor Mendel’s work on heredity. And the discovery of genetics and D.N.A. molecules took place long after his death. Yet, Darwin theorized in a world much different from the one we know. That is why scientists today wonder at the depth of his knowledge and the strength of his arguments.
Charles Darwin died on April nineteenth, eighteen eighty-two. He was buried at Westminster Abbey, in London, among other heroes of Britain.
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BARBARA KLEIN: This program was written and produced by Mario Ritter. I’m Barbara Klein.
STEVE EMBER: And I’m Steve Ember. You can find a link to Charles Darwin's writings and research at our Web site, voaspecialenglish.com. Join us again next week for Explorations in VOA Special English.
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