Who is known for the theory of natural selection?

The theory of natural selection is attributed to Charles Darwin, who formulated this idea as part of his broader theory of evolution. Natural selection explains the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than those less adapted, leading to gradual changes in species over time. Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, laid the foundation for the field of evolutionary biology and provided substantial evidence for the concept of natural selection through observations and studies in various species.

The other figures mentioned, while significant in their respective fields, did not contribute to the development of the theory of natural selection. Isaac Newton is known for his laws of motion and universal gravitation, which primarily focus on physics rather than biology. Albert Einstein is famed for his theory of relativity, influencing the understanding of time, space, and gravity, and has no direct connection to natural selection. Louis Pasteur is renowned for his advancements in microbiology and the germ theory of disease, particularly his work on vaccination and pasteurization, which are unrelated to evolutionary biology. Therefore, Darwin stands out as the key figure in the concept of natural selection.