The theory of natural selection was proposed by Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, in his groundbreaking work "On the Origin of Species" which was published in 1859. Darwin's theory of natural selection revolutionized the field of biology and laid the foundation for modern evolutionary theory.

In his book, Darwin argued that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and that the process of natural selection is the mechanism through which this evolution occurs. Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than those that are not, leading to the gradual change and diversification of species over time.

Darwin's theory of natural selection was met with both acclaim and controversy when it was first introduced. Many scientists and scholars of the time were skeptical of Darwin's ideas, as they challenged the prevailing belief in creationism and the fixity of species. However, over time, the overwhelming evidence in support of natural selection has solidified its place as one of the most important and influential theories in biology.

Today, Darwin's theory of natural selection is widely accepted by the scientific community and is considered to be a foundational concept in the study of evolution. It has been supported by a vast amount of empirical evidence from fields such as genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.

For more information on Charles Darwin and the theory of natural selection, you can visit the official website of the Darwin Manuscripts Project at https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/. This website contains a wealth of resources on Darwin's life and work, including his original manuscripts and correspondence.

In conclusion, Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection as the mechanism through which evolution occurs. His groundbreaking ideas have had a profound impact on the field of biology and have fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world.

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