Question

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the origin of new species according to Darwinism?
I. Natural selection
II. Inheritance
III. Survival of the fittest
IV. Struggle for existence

• A. I, II, III, IV
• B. II, III, I, IV
• C. III, IV, I, II
• D. IV, II, III, I

Answer 1

The correct option is D IV, II, III, I

According to Darwinism, the correct sequence of events in the origin of species is - Struggle for existence, variations and their inheritance, survival of the fittest and natural selection.
Darwin claimed that there was a continual struggle for existence in nature, in which only the fittest would survive.

Variation refers to a genetic event that causes the individuals or groups of a certain type or species to possess different characteristics from one another. Such variations may be inherited by the individuals of subsequent generations.

Darwin suggested 'survival of the fittest' where the individuals that are best equipped to survive and reproduce perpetuate the highest frequency of genes to descendant populations. This is the principle known as “survival of the fittest,” where fitness denotes an individual’s overall ability to pass copies of his/her genes on to successive generations.

Darwin gave natural selection which is the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype. It is a key mechanism of evolution, the change in heritable traits of a population over time.