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The Open University

Evolution through natural selection

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

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In this free course, Evolution through natural selection, we describe the theory of evolution by natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin in his book, first published in 1859, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. We will look at natural selection as Darwin did, taking inheritance for granted, but ignoring the mechanisms underlying it.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Charles Darwin
  • 1 Charles Darwin
  • 2 Darwin and natural selection
  • 2 Darwin and natural selection
  • 3 Natural selection in the guppy
  • 3 Natural selection in the guppy
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Number of progeny
  • 3.3 The struggle for existence
  • 3.4 Variation
  • 3.5 Inheritance
  • 4 Other influences on evolution
  • 4 Other influences on evolution
  • 10.4 Summary
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 3 Class Central reviews

4.6 rating at OpenLearn based on 22 ratings

Start your review of Evolution through natural selection

  • This free course on evolution and natural selection delivered exactly as described. The content was clear, well-paced, and aligned with the stated learning outcomes, offering a solid introduction to key biological principles. The duration matched th…
  • Concise text-based course that teaches beginners the basics of Darwin's theory of natural selection.
  • Nandini Singh
    I'm absolutely blown away by the 'Evolution Through Natural Selection' course by Open University! 🤯 It was mind-blowing to learn how this fundamental concept shapes the diversity of life on Earth. The course structure was super engaging, with a perf…

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