Which of the following was not understood when Darwin was developing his theory of evolution by natural selection?
A)Surplus reproductive capacity of species.
B)Variation among members of a species.
C)Differential reproductive success.
D)Mutations (changes in DNA).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was developed without an understanding of genetics and the role of mutations in creating variation. The concept of DNA and mutations as a source of genetic variation and a mechanism for evolution was not understood until after Darwin's time, with the modern synthesis of evolutionary biology occurring in the early 20th century.

Which of the Following Was Not Understood When Darwin Was