Question

Darwin coined the term "evolution, but he preferred "descent with modification. The idea of descent with modification was solidified for Darwin when he read the political work of Thomas Malthus, who wrote a pessimistic book on population growth. Malthus' book promoted the idea that Select the TWO answers that apply

A. humans would have to compete for limited resources, and only some would survive
B. humans were supreme beings on Earth and would always win every competition
C. the human population would continue to grow exponentially into the future
D. None of the answers are correct
E. the human population would eventually reach its size limit due to limited resources on Earth Start: 9:40 PM

Answer 1

Correct options are A) and E). Darwin's concept of 'descent with modification' was influenced by Malthus, who believed human competition for limited resources leads to a struggle for existence. This principle was integral to Darwin's theory of natural selection and evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Charles Darwin's idea of 'descent with modification,' a core concept of evolution, was influenced by the work of Thomas Malthus. Malthus' writings suggested that human populations would endure a struggle for existence due to exponential growth outpacing the slower increase in food resources, leading to competition for these limited resources. Therefore, the two correct answers to the student's question are:

1. Humans would have to compete for limited resources, and only some would survive.
2. The human population would eventually reach its size limit due to limited resources on Earth.

These ideas contributed to Darwin's theory of natural selection, where individuals with favorable characteristics for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to adaptations in populations over generations.