Darwin's On the Origin of Species

Darwin's "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, introduced the theory of evolution through natural selection. It argues that species evolve over time as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. These traits are then passed on to future generations. This process leads to the gradual change of species and the emergence of new ones. By providing evidence from various fields such as biology and geology, Darwin challenged the then-prevailing view of static species, offering a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth that has profoundly influenced our understanding of biology.