Natural Selection

While researching, Darwin figured out that natural selection was key to evolution. He was then able explain selection in nature with the help of Malthus' ideas. In order to survive individuals with favorable traits would proceed to live and eventually reproduce, while individuals with unfavorable traits did not. He then came up with the basic processes of evolution.

1. All species can produce offspring faster than the rate that food supplies go up.
2. There is a biological variation within all species.
3. There is a competition between individuals because there are more offspring being produced and limited resources
4. Individuals with favorable traits have an advantage over those who don't because they can have an increased likelihood or surviving and reproducing.
5. The environment controls whether or not a trait is useful.
6. Traits are passed on from generation to generation.
7. Successful variations become more common in populations over period of time.
8. Populations need to be able to adapt to their environments.