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What is On the Origin of Species about?

The book that changed how humanity understands life itself — Darwin’s patient, revolutionary case for evolution by natural selection, laid out with overwhelming evidence and disarming clarity.

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  1. 1The Power of Variation
  2. 2Struggle for Existence
  3. 3Natural Selection Explained
  4. 4Divergence of Character
  5. 5The Imperfection of the Geological Record
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Notable quotes

“This Abstract, which I now publish, must necessarily be imperfect.”
“The relation of organism to organism the most important of all relations.”
“Natura non facit saltum.”

A glimpse inside

Illustration from On the Origin of Species
The Power of Variation

Darwin emphasizes that variation is the raw material for evolution. In domesticated plants and animals, individuals of the same variety often exhibit greater differences…

Struggle for Existence

Darwin introduces the concept of the 'struggle for existence', which encompasses competition among individuals, species, and varieties.

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About the author

Charles Darwin

Read Charles Darwin's work free on Lumina — full text plus an 8-minute summary and key ideas.

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