Who advocated for the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Charles Darwin is renowned for advocating the theory of evolution by natural selection, a revolutionary concept he detailed in his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species." Darwin's theory posits that organisms evolve over generations through a process whereby individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing those traits on to future generations. This concept fundamentally transformed our understanding of biological diversity and the development of life on Earth.

Gregor Mendel is known for his foundational work in genetics, particularly regarding heredity and the transmission of traits, but he did not focus on evolutionary theory specifically. Albert Einstein is celebrated for his contributions to physics, particularly the theory of relativity, which does not pertain to biological evolution. Isaac Newton is famous for his laws of motion and universal gravitation, which relates to physical sciences rather than biological evolution. Thus, Charles Darwin stands out as the primary figure associated with the theory of evolution by natural selection.