The main idea in Darwin's Theory of "Origin of species by natural selection" is:
Correct answer: D. Evolution occurs through gradual accumulation of adaptation through successive generations
- A. Inheritance of acquired traits
- B. Use and disuse of organs
- C. Species never change
- D. Evolution occurs through gradual accumulation of adaptation through successive generations
Explanation
Darwin argued that individuals vary, that more are born than can survive, and that those better suited leave more offspring, so favourable adaptations accumulate slowly across generations. Inheritance of acquired characters and use and disuse are Lamarck's proposals, offered here as the standard distractors. Fixity of species is the view Darwin overturned.
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About Darwinism
Darwinism explains evolution through inherited variation, competition for limited resources, survival and reproduction of better-adapted organisms, and natural selection over generations. It is distinguished from Lamarckism because Darwin's explanation depends on selection acting on existing heritable differences, not the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
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