Darwin begins by questioning why there are variations and adaptations within species and where they originate. He observes how a species survives perilously by adapting to its environment. He sees it “in the humblest parasite which clings to the hairs of a quadruped or feathers of a bird” (Darwin) in “the structure of the beetle which dives through the water: in the plumed seed which is wafted by the gentlest breeze.” (Darwin) Darwin says when a species attains a quality that “tends to the preservation of such” (Darwin) an individual, the member has a better chance of surviving and passing that trait on to its offspring. While not all of the offspring survive those who inherit the trait have a better chance of surviving. Darwin

calls “this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved,” (Darwin) Natural Selection.

Darwin, Charles: The Origin of Species. 1859.

For the sake of his argument Darwin removes the possibility of foreign invasion by another species. He takes the example of a closed environment, a valley concealed by mountains or an island, a similar to Galapagos Islands he visited with the Beagle. When this environment is hit with a climate or other ecological change many of the native species would die; but those who were more resilient to the change would survive and pass on their strengths and traits to their offspring. The beneficial variation would become a beneficial trait would become common in the entire species preserving them. (Darwin)

Darwin does not believe that great ecological change or isolation is necessary for increased variability within a species. Species are constantly in long term combat with each other for control of a region. Adaptations no matter how slight give them an advantage over their enemies.

Finally Darwin proceeds to explain how Natural Selections is present in nature. He begins by dispelling the misconception that man creates the

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