The Origin of Species (first edition)

"On the Origin of Species," first published in 1859 by Charles Darwin, presents the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin argued that species change over generations through small, inherited variations. Those organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on. Over time, this process leads to the development of new species. The book challenged the idea that species were unchanging and emphasized that all life shares common ancestors, providing a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.