RECORD: Darwin, C. R. n.d. Divergence Theory. CUL-DAR205.5.182. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 1.2023. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR205.5 contains notes on the principle of divergence, transitional organs and instincts.
The brown crayon number '11' indicates that this document was filed by Darwin in his portfolio for the subject of Divergence.
[182]
11. Divergence Theory (Probably only just allude to) Alluded to in Chapt 6. p. 27
case of species adapted to different stations in large country different case— But take uniform small area— very diverse types— if of ordinary character— Even Coral islets — &c now imagine small volcanic islds well capable of supporting 40 or 50 plants — stock with 2 or 3 plants & 2 or 3 insects & 1 or 2 land shells— in upwards of years (some fluctuation of climate) what wd result be? (Woburn Grass Seeds— Wheat Vars naturalised plants usually distinct genera)
So in natives only marked — 1st species found from different station, but as these will tend to spread, they can only [illeg] colonise with their parent by consider change
[in margin:] Extinction may come into play here & total number of species — time one great element C. of Good Hope??
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 10 March, 2023