Which of the following principles is NOT part of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Darwin proposed variation among individuals, overproduction of offspring, differential survival and reproduction, and gradual change over long time — these are central to his natural selection model.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Variation: Individuals in a population show differences.  
- Overproduction/struggle for existence: More offspring are born than can survive (Malthusian influence).  
- Differential reproduction (selection): Individuals with favorable variations leave more offspring.  
- Gradualism: Evolutionary change accumulates slowly over long periods.  
- Modern synthesis additions: Mendelian genetics, mutation, and recombination explain the source of heritable variation (mutations are now known to be an ultimate source).

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Compare each option to Darwin’s original principles.  
  a) "Individuals that possess the most favorable variations have the best chance of reproducing." — This directly states natural selection (fitness differences), so it is part of Darwin’s theory.  
  b) "Evolution is a gradual process that occurs over long periods of time." — Darwin advocated gradualism, so this is included.  
  c) "Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation." — Darwin did not know about genes or mutations; he described variation but not its molecular cause. This idea belongs to modern evolutionary theory (20th-century modern synthesis).  
  d) "More individuals are born than will survive." — Darwin used Malthus’ idea of overproduction and competition; this is part of his framework.  
  e) "Variation occurs among individuals in a population." — Core to natural selection; without variation, selection cannot act.

3) Intermediate steps / evidence
- Historical fact: Darwin published 1859 without knowledge of Mendel (rediscovered 1900) or mutation mechanisms.  
- Modern biology: Mutations and recombination are now recognized as the genetic sources of heritable variation, but they are not components Darwin explicitly stated.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- The statement about mutations asserts a genetic mechanism Darwin never included. It is a later refinement, not part of Darwin’s original theory.

5) Why other options are incorrect answers
- Each of the other four options accurately reflects a principle Darwin did describe (variation, overproduction, differential reproduction, gradualism).

6) Conclusion
Therefore, "Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation." is NOT part of Darwin’s original theory of natural selection, which matches the provided correct answer.

Which of the following principles is NOT part of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection?单项选择题

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