Synopsis

In this unit, we describe the theory of evolution by natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin in his book, first published in 1859, On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. We will look at natural selection as Darwin did, taking inheritance for granted, but ignoring the mechanisms underlying it.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1 Charles Darwin
2 Darwin and natural selection
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Number of progeny
3.3 The struggle for existence
3.4 Variation
3.5 Inheritance
4 Other influences on evolution
10.4 Summary
Next steps
Acknowledgements

 

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