Question

Which one of the following sequences was proposed by Darwin and Wallace for organic evolution:

• A. Overproduction, variations, constancy of population size, natural selection
• B. Variations, constancy of population size, overproduction, natural selection
• C. Overproduction, constancy of population size,variations, natural selection
• D. Variations, natural selection, overproduction, constancy of population size

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To understand the sequence proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace for organic evolution, we need to examine the basis of their theory of natural selection. The correct sequence of processes that they proposed is:

1. Overproduction: Organisms tend to produce more offspring than can possibly survive. This leads to a struggle for existence as resources such as food and space are limited.
2. Constancy of Population Size: Despite the overproduction, populations remain relatively stable over time because not all offspring survive to reproduce. Factors like competition for resources, predation, disease, and environmental changes limit the population size.
3. Variations: Individuals within a population vary in their traits. Some variations are heritable, meaning they can be passed on to the next generation.
4. Natural Selection: Variations that confer an advantage in the environment increase an individual's chances of survival and reproduction. Over time, advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary change.

This sequence summarizes the essential elements of natural selection: the idea of struggle for existence among overproduced offspring, the stability of population size due to limiting factors, the presence of genetic variations, and the survival of individuals with advantageous traits.

Thus, the correct answer is: Overproduction, constancy of population size, variations, natural selection.