The theory of origin and evolution of man was published as “the Origin of Species” in 1859. Charles Darwin, the founder of this theory, claimed that present human is the progeny of monkeys, bears and other animals. The man was originated from the ancestors of monkey that were found fifty million years ago. On one hand the foundation of this theory shocked deeply to intellectuals of the world; on the other hand Darwin became the central figure of attraction among scientists. Darwin ranked one of the great scientists and inventors of nineteenth century. This sensational discovery startled to common persons so much that anyone could not imagine that he had ever been a monkey or undeveloped animal or progeny of the same, but truth is truth, it has to admit afterall. Ultimately the theory of evolution got recognition, but Darwin as while had to face anger of common men also. Some persons also made fun of this theory.
Fig. 5 : A popular cartoon of Darwin
Darwin became very popular during that period and his cartoons also were very attractive.
The story of origin and evolution of man started approximately 500 million (50 crore) years ago. Darwin and his other succeeding archaeologists, anthropologists, biologists and geologists etc. have divided the series of origin and evolution of the species into the following steps :
Sl.No. Period Name and Perspective
- 35 crore years ago Fish
- 27 crore years ago Amphibians – Salamanders
- 20 crore years ago Reptiles – None of its species are existed at present
- 7 crore years ago Mammals like Shrew, like musk rat
- 5 crore years ago Lemur – Ape, Monkey
- 2 crore years ago Dryopithecus – Chimpanzee
- 20 lac years ago Australopithecus Africanus – Erected Ape
- 10 lac years ago Homo Erectus – Fully erected man
- 5 lac years ago Man or wise man
Remarkable changes were occurred in respect of behaviour and biology in the man during the long journey of 50 crore years, but vestigial remains exist in human body even today, which is the biological evidence of evolution of man. Its existence proves that man has been originated and developed from some specific species of primitive mammals, fish, reptiles and monkey.
Some parts or organs, existed in human body, without having any biological function at present. In spite of this they exist naturally in human body. All these remains are biological evidences of human evolution.
Fig 6 : Vestigial remains
You know that fish breathes with the help of gill arches and gill groves. Such structure is found in the initial stage of unborn infants. Every man certainly possesses gill in the initial stage of pregnancy, which reveals that ancient evolution journey of man has been started from the species of fish.
A significant primitive remain found in unborn infant is his/her vestigial tail, which is clearly appeared due to expansion and development of coccyx of backbone and it is disappeared when the birth time approaches nearer. It proves that every man is born with his natural tail and gills. But they are having no any importance and utility at present. Therefore, tail and gill get disappeared about the time of birth.
In addition to this, vermiform appendix is situated between the junction of small intestine and large intestine of every man. But it has been observed that there is no utility of vermiform appendix in our digestive system. Sometimes it is removed by operation when it is swelled or infected, even then man remains normal. Medical science believes that vermiform appendix has no role in the digestive system or the body. It may be removed by operation on being swelled and its removal gives relief to the patient and thereafter he did not experience any problem.
Vermiform appendix exists in Apes, monkeys and other animals also. This increases their digestive capacity and it is an essential and important part of their digestive system. If vermiform appendix of such animals is removed, their digestive system will stop functioning and they will die. On the contrary the presence and absence of vermiform appendix in human body does not affect it at all, therefore, appendix is useless in human body, yet its existence proves that present perspective of man has come from the evolution of monkey family and the part of intestine of monkey family exists even today in human body as a vestigial remain. In this way existence of tail and appendix in human body proves the authenticity of the theory of evolution founded by Darwin. Anthropological researches also prove that human led his life like monkey and tree dwelling animals for million years. Therefore, it is quite natural the existence of remains of organs, concerned with monkey and other tree-dwelling animals, in human body.
Wisdom teeth or molar teeth existed in human jaw are also useless. Wisdom teeth are also a serious problem in the field of dentistry which causes many serious diseases like oral infection, swelling, cancer etc. It is observed that wisdom teeth may appear in the jaw even in the age of twenty five to seventy. There is a dearth of space in the rear portion of jaw and where the appearance of new tooth causes severe pain and also creates other problems. Anyway, the presence or absence of wisdom teeth do not affect the life, activity and behaviour of man. Wisdom teeth or molar teeth are essential for those animals, who are having longer intestinal track and have to do long time cud chewing to digest the food. Wisdom teeth exist in human jaw signify a primitive remains. Likewise growing nails and abnormal growth of hair on the entire body are the symbol of animalism.
If we study the trends existed in the behaviour and nature of man, we will come to the conclusion that man is basically an animal on biological grounds, but feelings, intelligence, skill, sociality have made them commendable and superior.
