Charles Darwin, a prominent naturalist and geologist, proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, which revolutionized the understanding of life's diversity and origins. Darwin's theory, detailed in his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species," asserts that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection, where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to their offspring. This process gradually leads to the development of new species and the diversification of life. Darwin's theory challenged traditional beliefs in creationism, which held that all species were created by a divine being and remained unchanged. His work sparked intense debate and controversy, but its scientific rigor and supporting evidence eventually led to its widespread acceptance, becoming a cornerstone of modern biology.
