Final answer:
If Darwin had not conducted and published his research when he did, the theory of evolution today would likely be less developed and accepted than it is. Darwin's work laid the foundation for the theory of evolution by natural selection, providing a comprehensive explanation for how species change over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Darwin had not conducted and published his research when he did, the theory of evolution today would likely be less developed and accepted than it is. Darwin's research and publication of his book 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859 laid the foundation for the theory of evolution by natural selection. His work provided a comprehensive explanation for how species change over time and how variation and adaptation lead to the diversity of life we see today. Without Darwin's contribution, the understanding and acceptance of evolution would have been significantly delayed or even hindered.