Final answer:
Darwin's concept of evolution by natural selection consists of five main components that are linked together to explain how species change over time. By making observations of the diversity of life, the changing Earth's surface, and the struggle for existence, Darwin formulated his theory of natural selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Darwin's revolutionary concept of evolution by natural selection is made up of five main components:
- All organisms are capable of producing offspring faster than the food supply increases.
- All organisms show variation.
- There is a struggle for existence due to the overproduction of offspring.
- Only the individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to the next generation.
- Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to the gradual change of species.
These components are linked together to form the basis of Darwin's theory. He observed the diversity of life, the changing Earth's surface, and the struggle for existence, and connected these observations to propose that species change over time through the process of natural selection.