When evolution was first proposed, which of the following was used as evidence to support the idea?
1.observations of nature
2.laboratory experiments
3.extensive fossil collections
4.genetic sequences
I think its either 1 or 4
. 1. observations of nature and 4. genetic sequences.
To determine which of the options was used as evidence to support the idea of evolution when it was first proposed, we can look into the history and scientific developments related to the theory.
When Charles Darwin first proposed the theory of evolution in the mid-19th century, he primarily relied on observations of nature as evidence. Darwin spent years traveling the world and carefully studying various species and their adaptations. He noted that different populations of organisms displayed variation, and those variations were related to their environment and survival. This led him to propose the natural process of selection, where individuals better adapted to their environment were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation.
While laboratory experiments and genetic sequences later became crucial pieces of evidence to support evolution, they were not available or extensively utilized during Darwin's time. Laboratory experiments started gaining prominence in the early 20th century with the advent of genetics and molecular biology. And the study of genetic sequences, utilizing advancements in molecular biology and DNA analysis, emerged much later in the 20th century.
Therefore, the correct answer is 1. Observations of nature.