Darwin had no scientific reason to assert that natural selection is a blind, unguided process. Group of answer choicesTrueFalse

The assertion "Darwin had no scientific reason to assert that natural selection is a blind, unguided process" suggests a debate regarding Darwin's perspective on evolution and natural selection. Darwin’s theory of natural selection posits that evolutionary changes occur due to variations that provide some individuals an advantage in survival and reproduction. These variations arise randomly, and natural selection operates on them without specific direction or forethought, making it a blind process.

1. Understanding Natural Selection: Darwin observed that species adapt to their environments over generations due to the survival of individuals with favorable traits. He did not articulate the mechanisms of inheritance or mutations, which later contributed to the understanding of natural selection.

2. Scientific Basis: The scientific basis for claiming that natural selection is unguided stems from a lack of evidence for intention or directionality in these processes. Natural disasters, environmental changes, and genetic mutations occur without purpose.

3. Conclusion: Since Darwin’s framework relied on observable natural phenomena, the statement can be interpreted as True. He did not possess the scientific knowledge about genetics that we have today, which might imply guidance in certain evolutionary processes, affirming his view that natural selection is indeed a blind process.

Final Answer

True: Darwin had no scientific reason to assert that natural selection is a blind, unguided process.