The Origin Of Species - Charles Darwin

Although scientists and philosophers dating back to the Greek civilization had suggested that species `evolved` rather than remaining fixed, Darwin`s Origin of Species (published in 1859) challenged contemporary thought and belief in Divine Providence. In its clarification of the hypothesis of the survival of the fittest - that is the protection of certain well-adapted species by their environment - Darwin set down theories of natural selection and explained why certain species become extinct while others flourish.