Charles Darwin (1809-1882), a naturalist proposed a theory to explain the process of evolution. His theory was published in his famous book 'Origin of Species' published in 1858. His theory of natural selection is termed Darwinism.
Darwin's Theory of Evolution may be summed up as follows :
1. Rapid multiplication
2. Struggle for existence
3. Variations
4. Natural selection or survival of the fittest
5. Inheritance of useful variations
6. Origin of new species.
Evidences in favour of Darwin's theory.
Darwin's theory is supported by natural selection, phenomena of mimicry and protective colouration, and correlation between nectaries of flowers and proboscis of pollinating insects.
Draw backs - Darwin's theory fails to explain perpetuation of vestigial organs and over-specialization of organs.