Question

Describe briefly the theory of Natural Selection given by Darwin.

Answer 1

Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection:

1. In 1859, Charles Robert Darwin published a book entitled “Origin of Species” where he gave his famous theory of evolution called Darwin's theory of Natural Selection.

The Theory of Natural Selection can be explained as follows:

1. Overproduction of offspring - All living organisms produce more offspring than can actually survive.
2. The limited supply of food and shelter - Though organisms are produced in large numbers, the availability of food and shelter always remains constant; so there is a limited supply of food and shelter for all the offspring.
3. Struggle for existence - Due to the limited resources available, there is competition for survival between members of the same species, between different species living in a place, and between the environmental factors.
4. Survival of the fittest - Owing to the tough competition, only those organisms that are most fitted in life can survive while the weaker ones are removed and the number of organisms remains constant.
5. Variations - Due to constant struggle and changes in the environment, the organisms must change themselves to adapt better; this is why no two organisms are exactly alike.
6. Inheritance - Changes in a generation are always passed on to the next generations for better survival.
7. Natural selection and inheritance of new species - Owing to the variations being inherited onto successive generations, new species are produced through natural selection.