Identifying the Profession:
The passage clearly identifies Charles Darwin as a biologist, noted for his contributions to the theory of evolution and natural selection.
Aligning with Darwin’s Theories:
The statement that all life forms developed slowly over time from lower life forms is a direct reflection of Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection, as described in the passage.
Identifying the Theory:
Darwin’s description of the survival and reproduction of the fittest individuals is the essence of his theory of natural selection and survival of the fittest, as explicitly mentioned in the passage.
Evaluating the Reception:
The passage specifically notes that many religious opponents condemned On the Origin of Species, indicating a significant pushback against the ideas presented in it.
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?