Like other scientists, Darwin's ideas were influenced by his readings. Among the work he attributed to the formulation of his theory was a paper by Malthus, a mathematical biologist. This is a concept we will explore in some detail in future chapters. Organisms can produce more progeny than can survive. Darwin used the example of elephant populations growing from just 2 to over 19,000 in short time.
Environment dictates fitness.
Natural selection results in new species. Traits accumulate and transform organisms. Evidence to Support Darwin's Theory is abundant.