It is evident that we are animals, a quick read of 'Naked Ape' shows that we are similar in so many ways that to argue differently would I hope be unlikely.
The division that some seem keen to argue is that we are somehow special as a species.
We certainly don't know all the details as to the mechanism of evolution, but so what? It is still describing historical fact. The religious might try to argue that there is still some kind of vague force driving it, but that is their choice.
As is always the case with the religious, a secular society enables them to live freely but not to impose their will on others. Thus all religions are treated the same - IMO they are all just dubious stories which seem unwilling to acknowledge scientific method. Such anti-rationalism shows how confused people are, and how open to bullshit they can be.
Evolution was driven forward simply by the needs of the environment, the existence of islands, the availability of food and shelter etc., but there is no need to speculate on the sidelines in this way - it happened, we are simply another animal which has evolved a large brain, and so can manipulate its environment extremely well.
The origin of species is that its central argument, a very simple idea, is still essentially correct. He nailed it, and the rest has been an expansion and refinement of the idea, a building upon it.
Indeed, the rest is just details - we don't know how, but there is no doubt that this is how it historically happened - and it continues in the same way as new colds get caught each year.
The progress from the pre-scientific age into the more rationalist present, meant that historical truths such as these are more likely to be recognised and recorded.
As part of the animal kingdom, it is no surprise to see the strong imposing their will on the weak - or with currency - the rich imposing their will on the poor. Thus the need for a modern system of government with rights, checks and balances to limit such tyranny, esp of the majority over minorities etc.
