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Which of the following ideas was not part of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

Correct answer: B. Variation between individuals arises by gene mutation

  • A. Organisms produce more off springs than the environment can support
  • B. Variation between individuals arises by gene mutation
  • C. Only those individuals best adapted by environment survive and reproduce
  • D. Individuals compete for scarce resources

Explanation

The idea that was not part of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is Option B: Variation between individuals arises by gene mutation. While Darwin acknowledged the existence of variation, he did not have a detailed understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind it, such as gene mutations.

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About Evolution

Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.

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