Question #N277
In the late 19th century, the burgeoning field of scientific inquiry was profoundly shaped by the rise of Darwinism. However, the public’s reception of Darwin’s theories was not universally welcoming. In his book “The Descent of Man,” Charles Darwin, a prominent British naturalist, discussed the implications of natural selection, arguing that human beings, like other species, evolved over time. But Darwin’s work also introduced a provocative idea: humans shared a common ancestor with apes. This notion challenged long-held religious beliefs about the divine creation of humankind and sparked intense debate within the scientific community and beyond. The controversy surrounding Darwin’s theories exposed a fundamental conflict between scientific progress and traditional religious dogma, a conflict that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about the nature of life and humanity.Â
What is the main idea of this passage?Correct Answer is: B
The passage focuses on the public's reaction to Darwin's theories and argues that his work sparked a debate that continues today. The passage highlights the controversy surrounding Darwin's theories, but it doesn't focus solely on the scientific community's reaction. Choice A is too general, and choice C emphasizes the broader context of Darwin's impact on scientific inquiry, while choice D focuses too narrowly on the scientific community's reaction.