Compared modern species to fossil forms, and in the process, identify several lines of descent composed of a chronological series of older fossils to younger fossils to modern species. Lamarck believed that evolution was driven by an innate tendency toward increasing complexity, which he equated with perfection. Those body organs used extensively to cope with the environment become larger and stronger while those not used deteriorate. Inheritance of acquired characteristics. The modifications an organism acquired during its lifetime could be passed along to its offspring.
Evolution is the best explanation for both the fossil record and the extant diversity of life.
The Earth is ancient. Adaptation to the environment is a primary product of evolution. The voyage of the Beagle The HMS Beagle, with Darwin aboard, sailed from England in December 1831 . The South American flora and fauna from different regions were distinct from the flora and fauna of Europe. Geographical distribution was particularly confusing in the case of the fauna of the Galapagos, recently formed volcanic islands which lie on the equator about 900 km west of South America.