Why was Charles Darwin able to offer a large amount of evidence for his theory of evolution by natural selection?

He compiled the fossil record.
He collected data for 5 years while traveling around the world.
He conducted in-depth experiments with chemicals in England.
He worked with Gregor Mendel for many years collecting genetic proof for evolution.

the second one?

Correct.

Charles Darwin was able to offer a large amount of evidence for his theory of evolution by natural selection for several reasons. One of the main reasons was that he collected data for 5 years while traveling around the world on the HMS Beagle. This journey allowed him to observe and document a wide variety of plant and animal species in different geographical locations.

During his travels, Darwin collected numerous specimens, including fossils. While he did not personally compile the entire fossil record, he did gather important fossils that demonstrated the existence of extinct species and transitional forms, providing evidence for the gradual change of species over time.

Additionally, Darwin conducted in-depth experiments in England and conducted extensive research on various subjects related to his theory. However, these experiments primarily focused on studying the mechanisms and processes of natural selection rather than involving chemicals.

It is not accurate to say that Darwin worked with Gregor Mendel for many years collecting genetic proof for evolution. In fact, Mendel's work on genetics was only discovered later and independently of Darwin's theory of evolution. Mendel's research on inheritance did provide further support for Darwin's theory, but the collaboration between the two did not happen.

Overall, Darwin's ability to offer a large amount of evidence for his theory of evolution by natural selection was primarily due to his extensive data collection during his travels and his rigorous scientific observations and experiments. This evidence included not only the fossil record but also observations on variation, adaptation, and the principles of genetics that were later discovered by other scientists.

What do you think?