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Onthe Origin of Species - BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION, - OR THEPRESERVATION OF FAVOURED RACES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE. - By Charles Darwin, M.A., - Fellow Of The Royal, Geological, Linnæan, Etc., Societies; Author Of ‘Journal Of Researches During H.M.S. Beagle’s Voyage Round The World.’ LONDON:JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.1859.
ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES.
INTRODUCTION.
CHAPTER I. VARIATION UNDER DOMESTICATION.
CHAPTER II. VARIATION UNDER NATURE.
CHAPTER III. STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE.
CHAPTER IV. NATURAL SELECTION.
CHAPTER V. LAWS OF VARIATION.
CHAPTER VI. DIFFICULTIES ON THEORY.
In this landmark work the author invites listeners to explore the hidden patterns that shape all living things. Beginning with familiar examples from domesticated plants and animals, the narrative shows how subtle variations arise and how human choice can amplify them, setting the stage for a broader look at nature’s own experiments. The early chapters blend clear observations with lively anecdotes, making complex ideas about inheritance and variability feel accessible.
From there the discussion moves outward, examining how countless species compete for limited resources and how this relentless struggle can drive change over immense spans of time. The author balances meticulous detail with sweeping insight, guiding the ear through concepts such as natural selection, the influence of environment, and the fragile records left in rocks and fossils. Listeners will come away with a fresh appreciation for the intricate, ever‑shifting tapestry of life that continues to unfold around us.
Language
en
Duration
~16 hours (927K characters)
Release date
1998-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1809–1882
A curious naturalist whose voyage on the HMS Beagle helped change how the world understands life on Earth, he became one of the most influential scientific writers of the 19th century. His clear, patient way of building an argument still makes his work remarkably readable today.
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