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Who is credited with the theory of evolution?

  1. Louis Pasteur

  2. Charles Darwin

  3. Gregor Mendel

  4. Albert Einstein

The correct answer is: Charles Darwin

The theory of evolution is primarily associated with Charles Darwin due to his groundbreaking work in the 19th century, particularly through his publication "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. Darwin introduced the concept of natural selection, which explains how species evolve over time based on their ability to adapt to their environments. This theory provided a scientific framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth, illustrating how species change and adapt through generations. While other figures mentioned, such as Louis Pasteur and Gregor Mendel, made significant contributions to science, their work does not specifically focus on the theory of evolution. Pasteur is known for his advancements in microbiology and vaccination, whereas Mendel is recognized as the father of genetics for his experiments with pea plants, which laid the groundwork for understanding heredity. Albert Einstein, on the other hand, is celebrated for his contributions to physics, particularly the theory of relativity, rather than biological sciences. Thus, the credit for the formulation of the theory of evolution through natural selection is rightfully attributed to Charles Darwin, as his insights fundamentally shaped the field of biology and our understanding of the evolution of species.