[Campbell Biology P.522] What significant event in June 1858 primarily prompted Darwin to qu... | Practice Question

What significant event in June 1858 primarily prompted Darwin to quickly finish and publish his work on natural selection, leading to On the Origin of Species ?

  • A: Public demand for his long-anticipated theory had become overwhelming.
  • B: Charles Lyell finally convinced him that his evidence was sufficient.
  • C: He received a manuscript from Alfred Russel Wallace outlining a nearly identical hypothesis.
  • D: He discovered new fossil evidence that conclusively supported his theory.

Explanation

The text states: "In June 1858, Lyell's prediction came true. Darwin received a manuscript from Alfred Russel Wallace 1823-1913 ... Wallace had developed a hypothesis of natural selection nearly identical to Darwin's... Darwin quickly finished his book..."