Though Darwin lays out a number of explanations, he is the first to point out there are many gaps in his theory; however, even with those gaps there is still the evidence to prove his theory both in nature and in the geological record. “the geological record is imperfect all will admit; but that it is imperfect to the degree which I require, few will be inclined to admit. If we look to long enough intervals of time, geology plainly declares that all species have changed; and they have changed in the manner which my theory requires, for they have changed slowly and in a graduated manner” (Dawin). He points out inconsistencies in species, geese that don’t swim, woodpeckers that feed on the ground, etc. with the comment. “We can plainly see why nature is prodigal in variety, though niggard in innovation. But why this should be a law of nature if each species has been independently created, no man can explain” (Darwin). Change is slow and it’s imperfect, but it is there, and the evidence is right before our eyes.
“But the chief cause of our natural unwillingness to admit that one species has given birth to other and distinct species, is that we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps” (Darwin). Though Darwin puts forth a well thought out argument supported in theory and example, his theory left questions. In general, it is human nature to want answers, and often times answers that confirm our reality. If there is a weakness in Darwin’s argument, it is that he cannot tie it up with a neat little bow.
(sorry for lack of page numbers in reference, I used an online version that was not numbered)