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Unit-2: Evolution, Progress and Transformation

Notes

Ogburn and Nimkoff has also called evolution as ‘a change in a defi nite direction.’

By these definitions, it is clear that evolution is that change which occurs in definite direction that
is a consequence of the internal powers of a substance and this increases the complexity of the
substance.

2.2 Characteristics of Evolution

The concept of evolution can be defined more clearly based on its following characteristics:
(1) Evolution always occurs from simplicity to complexity—In the beginning, parts of a substance or
organs of an organism are not clear and are blurred. Gradually, the difference in their parts or organs
starts becoming clear, they become discreet and their form also becomes definite. For example, in

the beginning, an embryo is a lump of flesh; gradually, its hands, feet, nose, ears, eyes, etc become
visible.
(2) Evolution is a process of continuous and slow change—In evolution, change occurs continuously,
but this happens at a very slow rate that it is not possible to visualise it.
(3) Evolution is a process of differentiation—During evolution, variation occurs in parts of creatures
and society. Limbs or parts of an object slowly become definite and discreet.

(4) Evolution is a universal process—In other words, it is observed at every place and any time.
(5) Evolution is a process occurring in a defi nite direction—Although it is not clear what that direction
will be.
(6) Evolution occurs due to the internal increase in a substance.
(7) During evolution, a substance undergoes qualitative change and not quantitative change.
(8) Evolution is a priceless process—In other words, like progress it is not related to good and evil
things.

(9) Evolution is a change occurring in some specific stages and order—In other words, after fi rst stage,
second stage comes and after second stage, third stage comes. In no circumstance, it never happens

that after the first stage, third and then second stage will come. For example, a child will fi rst become
young and then old and in no case he can become old first and then young.

(10) The stages of evolution cannot be obtained again—Once the stage that has been reached cannot
be obtained again; similarly as a child after reaching the childhood stage cannot reach this stage in
life again.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks—
1. Organs of any substance or organism are not clear and are blurred; gradually, the difference in them
is clear and their …….....…. becomes defi nite.
2. During ……….......… variation occurs in different parts of life and society.
3. Evolution is a ….......………… process, that is, it is observed at every place and any time.

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