On the Origin of Species

Summary

Charles Darwin's seminal work published in 1859, presents the theory of evolution through natural selection. The book outlines how species change over time, with variations in physical and behavioral characteristics allowing organisms better suited to their environment to survive and reproduce, passing on favorable traits to future generations. Darwin cites evidence from his observations, experiments, and research, including on his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, to argue that all life shares a common ancestor and that the diversity of species arises through this process of gradual evolution, rather than through special creation as widely believed at the time. The book challenged prevailing religious and scientific views, sparking intense debate, but Darwin's theory of natural selection has since become the foundation of modern evolutionary biology.