1. The theory of scala naturae classified living organisms according to their genetic composition. The classification system ordered the organisms’ genetic composition depending on their development from simplistic characteristics to highly developed characteristics. The organisms’ position in the classification system was derived from Aristotle’s theory that organisms did not develop or change as they were developed specifically for a type of environment. These characteristics were ordered from simplest to most developed when comparing organisms with similar physiological structures (Reece et al., 453).
2. One of Larmarcke’s principles of evolution that he proposed was the concept of “use and disuse”. In this instance, a genetic characteristic that was considered to be vitally important and used daily gradually became dominant. This dominant characteristic was then largely present in living organisms as it became enhanced. As enhanced characteristics developed, other nonessential characteristics dwindled. The second principle was “inheritance of acquired characteristics” in which the desired and largely vital characteristic passed down through generations of a population (Reece et al., 454-455).
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In Darwin’s “The Origin of Species”, the prevailing worldview that was established was the idea that descent with modification was present in all living species descended from common ancestors; thus supporting the fact that evolution resulted from natural selection. The changes in genetic composition within generations of species have contributed to the diversification of life as desirable traits were “naturally selected” to ensure survival and existence of a species. The varied inherited traits and their enhancements have led to the support of evolution, how organisms shared ancestral roots and adapted according to their living conditions (Reece et al.,