Which English natural scientist formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection?

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Multiple Choice

Which English natural scientist formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Evolution occurs through natural selection, the process by which heritable traits that help individuals survive and reproduce become more common over generations. Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, is the figure most closely associated with formulating this mechanism. He gathered extensive evidence—from the variation seen among organisms in nature and in domestic breeding, to the fossil record and biogeography—and argued that environments shape which traits are favored, leading to gradual adaptation and the emergence of new species. Though Alfred Wallace independently conceived a theory of natural selection and the two scientists shared ideas, Darwin’s subsequent publications and his comprehensive body of work solidified the concept in the scientific community. That combination of proposing the mechanism and providing substantial evidence makes Darwin the best answer.

Evolution occurs through natural selection, the process by which heritable traits that help individuals survive and reproduce become more common over generations. Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, is the figure most closely associated with formulating this mechanism. He gathered extensive evidence—from the variation seen among organisms in nature and in domestic breeding, to the fossil record and biogeography—and argued that environments shape which traits are favored, leading to gradual adaptation and the emergence of new species. Though Alfred Wallace independently conceived a theory of natural selection and the two scientists shared ideas, Darwin’s subsequent publications and his comprehensive body of work solidified the concept in the scientific community. That combination of proposing the mechanism and providing substantial evidence makes Darwin the best answer.

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