Which of the following was NOT a critical observation made by Darwin to explain the diversity of life on earth?
A) selective breeding of captive animals
B) similar structural similarities in distinct species
C) greater survival of larger animals over time
D) not all animals that are born will survive and reproduce

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Darwin did not observe greater survival of larger animals over time as a critical observation to explain the diversity of life on earth. In fact, he observed natural selection as the mechanism for evolution, in which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to a gradual change in the characteristics of a population over time. The other options are all critical observations made by Darwin, including selective breeding of captive animals as evidence for the power of artificial selection, similar structural similarities in distinct species as evidence for common ancestry, and not all animals that are born will survive and reproduce as evidence for competition and natural selection.

Which of the Following Was NOT a Critical Observation Made