Evolution means a change in a organism throughout time. The theory of Evolution is based upon similarities and differences of life- forms both alive and extinct. Evolution is caused by variations within a species. Some variations are good, helping the species or animal to successfully survive in the wild, but some are bad; leading to an early death. A variation is a change in appearance, or behavior of one organism to another of the same species. The following are things that can lead to Evolution:

• Land formations (Plate Tectonics)
• Climate changes (drifting continents, volcanic activity, outer space events)
• Life from sea to land (marine environment least affected by climate change; ozone layer developed)
• Dinosaurs to mammals (space impact/ asteroids and comets

    As said in the previous paragraph, if the variation is positive it allows for a greater survivability for the organism. This is called an adaptation. The inability to adapt to a change will eventually lead to extinction.

    There are three types of evolution: Divergent Evolution is when a species shares a  common ancestor, but looks totally different today. Convergent Evolution is when a species have totally different ancestors, but look similar today. And,  Parallel Evolution is when related animals involve in the same way for a long period of time.

    Natural Selection is the process that decides which animals will successfully survive in the wild. The four main factors of evolution include:

• Environmental factors
• Disease resistence
• Competition for food
• Predator influence

    Charles Darwin was the man  who developed the idea of Natural Selection. In 1831, he began his voyage on the HMS Beagle. Since both father and son were very religious, Darwin's father wanted him to become a ministert, but he was employed as a naturalist. The voyage he set out on was to take five years, with no pay; but if he did a good job with the work, he would be insured a job when he got back. Perhaps Darwin is most famous for his observations on the Galopagos Islands. There he studied and observed 14 different kinds of finches on the island. On each of the islands, he found a different dominant type of finch. ( usually only there were only 1-2 species of finches on an island) The major differences in finches we the shape and size of the beak, as well as the deciding tool in success or failure of the birds' survival. ( primary tool for food) Charles Darwin studied his findings on the finches, and other life- forms, for twenty years. From these studies, he wrote a book in 1859. It was entitled The Origin of the Species. The four main parts of the book are as follows:

• All organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
• Variations exist in all populations of species.
• Some variations are better than others; more beneficial for survival.
• Overtime, offspring of more successful organisms will make up the population of a species.

    Charles Darwin's book basically states that natural forces are the primary reasons for a species evolving; not divine powers (supreme being; God). Therefore, evolution is continually happening. Variations are caused by numerous factors; most likely of which are mutations in an organism's DNA, that are then passed on.