Question

Briefly discuss the Theory of Natural Selection as given by Darwin.

Answer 1

Charles Darwin proposed the idea of natural selection. Darwinism or Theory of Natural Selection is based on some facts:

(i) Overproduction:

• All organisms have the capacity to reproduce at a very high rate.
• However, organisms cannot survive by reproduction alone.
• Due to lack of food and space, offspring soon begin to die.
• Some are eaten by predators, while some get destroyed due to adverse environmental conditions.

(ii) Struggle for existence:

• Overproduction of organisms results in a struggle for existence among organisms.
• The struggle is to obtain food, space and mate.

(iii) Variation:

• Progeny of the same parents are not exactly alike. Such differences are known as variations. The variations may be harmful or advantageous.

(iv) Survival of fittest:

• In the struggle for existence, organisms that develop new favourable characteristics will survive in the long run. This idea is called 'Survival of the fittest'.
• Organisms which survive will transmit favourable characters to their offspring.
• These characters get accumulated and give rise to new species.