40 
PROOFS OF EVOLUTION. 
IX. 
PROOFS FROM GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 
The doctrine of Derivation is much strength¬ 
ened by the study of the distribution of animals 
over the globe. We find the dispersion just such 
as we should expect to see if the theory of evolu¬ 
tion were true. If created suddenly, we ought to 
find them after their kind, indiscriminately inhab¬ 
iting islands and continents. But, instead, we 
find that the greater the isolation of the island, 
the fewer animals; and those found are more 
specialized in type. On the other hand, where 
opportunities for migration have been favorable, 
we observe the greatest variety of life. 
Again, if specific centers of creation were the 
method, each species would be best fitted for its 
own environment, and could not exist in any other. 
But the facts show that both animals and plants 
will flourish far away from their native homes, 
under totally different physical conditions; in 
many cases with decided advantage from the 
change. 
