Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Charles Darwin is recognized for proposing the theory of evolution by natural selection, which fundamentally transformed our understanding of biology and the development of life on Earth. In his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, Darwin presented evidence from various fields such as paleontology, biogeography, and embryology to support his theory.

Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than others. Over time, this leads to gradual changes in species, contributing to the diversity of life. Darwin's ideas challenged traditional views of creation and laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology.

The other figures mentioned played significant roles in their respective fields but did not propose the theory of evolution. Albert Einstein is celebrated for his contributions to physics, particularly the theory of relativity. Isaac Newton is known for his laws of motion and universal gravitation, which laid the foundations of classical mechanics. Nicolas Copernicus is recognized for developing the heliocentric model of the universe, which positioned the sun at the center rather than the Earth. These contributions have their place in scientific history but are not related to the theory of evolution.