Thomas Malthus wrote “Essay on the Principle of Population” which proposed that populations grow at an exponential rate, far quicker then food supplies and other resources. This made it difficult for populations to survive without being regulated. He proposed many forms of population control, specifically in humans, so that the resources would not be completely depleted. After reading Malthus' essay, Darwin was able to conclude that the population imbalance would eventually lead to competition between offspring. This would mostly be seen in biology instead of humans as Malthus discussed. Since certain offspring would be better fit to survive, they would ultimately be the ones to thrive and reproduce while the others died off.
The first point most directly affected by Malthus’ work is “All organisms have the potential of reproducing exponentially”. This was Malthus’ main point in his literature, “Essay on the Principle of Population”. He argued that there is a tendency for populations to increase in size exponentially while resources remain relatively the same. The second point that affected by Malthus was “Resources are limited”. He states that resources do not increase as quickly as population, therefore creating a shortage for organisms. Essentially, the size of a population is kept in check with the amount of resources available. Both of these points lead to Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
Darwin was on the right track to developing his theory of natural selection, however it was not until he read Thomas Malthus’ essay that he was able to put the pieces together. After reading the essay, he realized there would always be a “struggle for existence” between species. He called this natural selection.
The church did not accept scientific theories of evolution during the time of Darwin’s discovery. Many were afraid the Church would be destroyed if these theories were accepted. This caused Darwin to be very hesitant about publishing his work. Darwin eventually published his book because he realized if he didn’t, Wallace would and he would lose credit for all of the work he had accomplished.
Sources: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/malthus.html
I appreciate the influence Malthus had on Darwin. Darwin had the understanding that individuals only reproduced enough to keep populations stable. After reading Malthus' works, Darwin had his original theories challenged. Malthus stated that it was possible to overproduce, and the consequence would be that resources would run out and the population could no longer be supported. The result, Darwin came to realize, is that in an over-populated state would be survived by the strongest who would then reproduce with specific stronger genes. His thought became "survival of the fittest".
ReplyDelete"After reading Malthus' essay, Darwin was able to conclude that the population imbalance would eventually lead to competition between offspring."
ReplyDeleteI would agree with that connection, though it would be between organisms in general and not just the offspring.
"This would mostly be seen in biology instead of humans as Malthus discussed."
Curious statement. Aren't humans part of "biology"? ;-) However, I understand that you are highlighting Malthus' focus on humans instead of wild populations, though he did use examples of wild populations to explain the potential problems he envisioned would arise from the issues he raised.
Great choice of bullet points. Good connections between these points and Darwin's work.
Yes, Darwin himself, in his writings, seems to indicate just how important Malthus' work was to his own:
"...it at once struck me that under these circumstances favourable variations would tend to be preserved, and unfavourable ones to be destroyed. The results of this would be the formation of a new species. Here, then I had at last got a theory by which to work".
Charles Darwin, from his autobiography. (1876)
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/malthus.html
Good final explanation as to the possible reasons for the delay in publishing. Good post.
Great post! I agree that Darwin wasn't able to put all the pieces of Natural Selection until he read the work of Malthus. This was when Darwin was really able to put it altogether and test his theory. I think in the end it was really Wallace who gave Darwin the push to publish his work so he would not lose credit to Wallace. I really enjoyed reading your post. Great job!
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