The Theory of Evolution (Modals Part II)

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The Theory of Evolution


Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution on his observations as a naturalist. He noticed that animals produce more young than they need to replace themselves. He also noticed that animals of the same species can be different, and that the young inherit these differences from their parents.

Imagine a bird species. One day a bird is born with a beak that is longer than the beak of other birds in the species. This longer beak might help the bird to catch more food. Because the bird can catch more food, it is healthier than the other birds. It may live longer as a result. The chicks inherit the gene for the longer beak. They also live longer and therefore have more chicks. The gene continues from generation to generation. Eventually, all the birds could have the longer beak.

This process must take thousands of years. The better adapted animals are more successful. When  species cannot evolve fast enough, it can die out as a result. This might explain the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

Darwin's Theory of Evolution is based on what we can see now. We can't be sure that it's correct. That is why it is a theory and not a law.


1. Try to guess the use of the different Modal Verbs bolded in the previous text:





2. If you need help, here you have the possible uses:

  • Negative possibility
  • Possible in the present or the future
  • Logical deduction based on present evidence
  • Permitted
  • Someone's ability


3. Complete the sentences with an appropriate modal verb:
  • She speaks with a London accent, so she ____________ be from England.
  • She ____________ be a model, but I don't think so. She's not really tall enough.
  • That ____________ be John. He always calls when we're having lunch!
  • He ________________ be a teacher. I know he has long holidays.
  • Young children _____________ be quite difficult to control.
  • We _____________ go to Ibiza this summer, but it's not certain.
  • It _____________ be difficult to find somewhere to park sometimes.

4. Speaking and Writing Time!
Now it's time that you use these modal verbs in sentences about your life. You can do it writing or speaking

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