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And today we'll talk about – The theory
of evolution by natural selection
The theory of evolution by natural selection
is a foundational theory published by English
biologist Charles Darwin in 1859.
The cornerstone principle of this theory is
still one of the key defining principles of
modern biology.
It rules that species and individuals, that
are best adapted to a specific environment
they live in, have the higher odds of surviving
and reproducing.
In the words of Herbert Spencer, this is survival
of the fittest.
Moreover, such selection is inescapable provided
that the individuals are not identical and
variations are heritable.
Darwin built his theory on his own observations
as well as on the works of Thomas Malthus.
The latter became famous for his ideas on
the growth of global population and its struggle
for survival, the ideas which Darwin admired.
Darwin summarized his theory and research
in the 1859 book called On the Origin of Species.
In the next decade, most of the general and
scientific public accepted the ideas of evolution
and transmutation of species.
When published, On the Origin of Species gained
international interest and acclaim.
Proponents of the evolutionary ideas formed
a movement called darwinism to celebrate the
scientific achievement of the mastermind behind
it.
These were 90 seconds of the Widiopedia channel
about the theory of evolution by natural selection
