Who is credited with developing the theory of evolution by natural selection?

The theory of evolution by natural selection is attributed to Charles Darwin due to his extensive research and writings, particularly in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859. In this book, Darwin proposed that species evolve over time through a process where individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to the next generation. This concept fundamentally changed biological sciences and provided a unifying framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.

Darwin’s observations during his voyages, especially in the Galápagos Islands, allowed him to identify variations among species that could be linked to environmental influences. His theory not only introduced the mechanism of natural selection but also laid the groundwork for genetics, paleontology, and ecology.

The other individuals listed made significant contributions to their respective fields. Albert Einstein is known for his work in physics, particularly the theories of relativity; Isaac Newton is heralded for his contributions to classical mechanics and mathematics; and Gregor Mendel is recognized as the father of modern genetics for his experiments with pea plants. However, none of these figures formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection as Darwin did.