BRAINCAKEThe Theory of Evolution
Evolution is the gradual change in the inherited characteristics of a population over many generations. The theory of evolution by natural selection was proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, who reached the same idea independently. Darwin set it out in detail in his book On the Origin of Species, published in 1859.
Darwin based his theory on observations, including those made on his voyage on HMS Beagle, such as the finches of the Galapagos Islands, which differed in beak shape from island to island.
Observations:
• organisms produce far more offspring than can survive
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Key terms in this lesson
- natural selection
- The process by which organisms with characteristics better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
More in Natural Selection
- Neo-Darwinism
- Adaptation
- Anatomical Adaptation
- Physiological Adaptation
- Behavioural Adaptation
- Grayling Butterflies
- Fungal Carnivores
- The Same Species in Different Environments
All 29 lessons in Natural Selection · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics