Question

Who gave the theory of Natural selection? Discuss briefly its main points.

Answer 1

Theory of Natural Selection:

1. Charles Robert Darwin proposed the theory of Natural Selection.
2. The main features of the theory are as follows:

1. Overproduction of offspring - All living organisms produce a much greater number of offspring that can actually survive.
2. The limited supply of food and shelter - Though the organisms are produced in large numbers, the availability of food and shelter always remains constant.
3. Struggle for existence - Due to the limited resources available, there is intraspecies and interspecies competition for survival.
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.
5. Variations - Due to constant struggle and changes in the environment, the organisms must change themselves to adapt better.
6. Inheritance - Changes in a generation are always passed on to the next generations.
7. Natural selection and inheritance of new species - Owing to the variations being inherited onto successive generations, new species are produced through natural selection.