ABSTRACT
Charles Darwin opened his famous book, „e Origin of Species, in which he presented the theory of evolution by natural selection, with a discussion aimed at showing that a far-reaching hereditary change in organisms’ characters is possible and that such changes can be achieved by selective breeding. Darwin explained the mechanism for such evolutionary changes by presenting the example of domesticating animals and crops. By selective breeding based on small variations in hereditary characteristics, one can gradually create di¨erent strains according to the breeder’s preferences. Figure 3.1 gives as an example Brassica oleracea and the variety of crops cultivated from it. Domestication and arti‰cial selection o¢en result in extensive hereditary changes. Consider, for example, the di¨erent dog breeds or the many edible and decorative plants created by man. Domestication is an example of evolution in action, albeit on a small scale. Darwin argued that under natural conditions the environment takes on the role of the breeder, as individuals who are better adapted to the environment reproduce more than others.
