Which of the following is not an observation or inference on which Darwin's theory of natural selection is based?

Question

Individuals adapt to their environments and, thereby, evolve.

There is heritable variation among individuals.

Populations produce more individuals than the environment can support, so there is competition for resources.

Individuals whose inherited characteristics best fit them to the environment will generally produce more offspring.

Answer 1

The idea that individuals adapt to their environments and evolve would not be an observation of Darwin. This idea originated from earlier evolutionary scientists, particularly Lamarck. Darwin refuted this idea and shaped his idea of natural selection based on the other three points stated above.