Al-Jahiz's theories on evolution and ecology

Al-Jahiz, a 9th-century Arab scholar, proposed ideas about evolution and ecology long before Darwin. He suggested that species adapt to their environment for survival, emphasizing the role of competition and natural selection, where stronger individuals thrive. He also recognized the interconnectedness of life, noting how organisms depend on each other and their habitats. His work in “The Book of Animals” highlighted how environmental factors influence animal behavior and physiology, laying foundational thoughts for modern ecology and evolutionary theory, advancing the understanding of life's diversity and the balance within ecosystems.