Who developed the theory of natural selection?

The theory of natural selection, which is a cornerstone of evolutionary biology, was primarily developed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century. This theory posits that individuals within a species exhibit variations in traits, and those traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to subsequent generations.

Darwin's extensive observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, combined with Wallace's independent research, led them to conclude that species evolve over time as a result of natural selection acting on these variations. Their collaborative findings were presented to the Linnean Society of London in 1858, which included both scientists’ contributions and established a framework for understanding the process of evolution based on empirical evidence.

In contrast, the other names mentioned are associated with different scientific theories and contributions. Lamarck proposed an early model of evolution that included ideas of acquired traits, while Mendel is known for his work on genetic inheritance, which laid the groundwork for modern genetics. Aristotle, while an early philosopher, did not contribute to evolutionary theory in the way that Darwin and Wallace did.