Who came up with the concept of natural selection?

The concept of natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution articulated by Charles Darwin. In his groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859, Darwin proposed that individuals within a species show variation in traits, and those individuals whose traits are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to the gradual adaptation of species over time, as advantageous traits become more common in subsequent generations. Darwin's extensive observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle and his studies of various species, particularly finches in the Galápagos Islands, provided the empirical foundation for his theory. His insights into the role of competition, survival, and reproduction were revolutionary and laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology.