“I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 19, 1882
- Born in England (UK)
- Naturalist, geologist, biologist
- Wrote “On the Origin of Species” and proposed the theory of evolution and natural selection
Quote
“I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.”
Explanation
This famous quote from Charles Darwin introduces the concept of natural selection, which became the cornerstone of his theory of evolution. The principle described here explains how, over time, small variations in an organism’s traits that offer a survival advantage are more likely to be passed down to future generations. Darwin’s careful observation of nature led him to conclude that this selective process drives the evolutionary change in species, allowing those with advantageous traits to thrive and reproduce, while those less suited to their environment may not survive.
Darwin developed this idea during the 19th century, a time when scientific thought was transitioning away from religious or static views of life toward a more dynamic, evidence-based understanding. The theory of natural selection challenged existing ideas about creation and the fixity of species, offering a scientific explanation for how organisms change over generations. It fundamentally altered our understanding of biology, opening the door to modern genetics and evolutionary theory. Darwin’s discovery was revolutionary, as it provided a mechanism for the theory of evolution that was both observable and testable.
In modern times, natural selection remains a foundational concept in biological sciences and has broad applications, from understanding the development of resistance to diseases like antibiotic resistance in bacteria, to the study of how organisms adapt to climate change. For example, the adaptation of finches in the Galápagos Islands, which Darwin studied, continues to be a celebrated example of natural selection at work. This principle not only explains biological diversity but also influences fields such as medicine, ecology, and genetics, reinforcing Darwin’s lasting impact on both science and society.
