On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection
by Charles Darwin (1809–1882)
- Free to read
- 10 hours to read
- 30 chapters
- Reading level: College-level
"On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" by Charles Darwin is a work of scientific literature published in 1859. This foundational text introduced the theory that populations evolve through natural selection, presenting evidence that life's diversity arose from common descent through branching evolution. Drawing on Darwin's research and Beagle expedition findings, the book challenged prevailing beliefs about unchanging species and humanity's unique place in nature, sparking intense scientific, philosophical, and religious debate that transformed biology forever.
- Evolution (Biology)
- Natural selection
Read the opening
Chapter I
VARIATION UNDER DOMESTICATION.
Causes of Variability—Effects of Habit—Correlation of Growth—Inheritance—Character of Domestic Varieties—Difficulty of distinguishing between Varieties and Species—Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species—Domestic Pigeons, their Differences and Origin—Principle of Selection anciently followed, its Effects—Methodical and Unconscious Selection—Unknown Origin of our Domestic Productions—Circumstances favourable to Man's power of Selection
7-43
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About this edition
This free edition of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #22764, released 2007-09-25. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Science - Biology.
Other editions: eBook #1228 (most read).
Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).
