Darwin, Charles The Descent of Man — [abstract– 120 words]

The conclusion that humans are descended with other mammals from a common ancestor is based on solid observations.

There is a “close similarity between man and the lower animals in embryonic development, as well as in innumerable points of structure and constitution.”

Just as it is with other organisms human reproduction rates tend to exceed the food supply. This leads to a struggle for existence and the actions of natural selection on the human population.

To many people the idea that we are descended from some lowly organized form is not only distasteful but highly irreligious. However, we must acknowledge that despite the special qualities humans possess they carry in their bodies indisputable evidence of their lowly origins.