Question

charles darwin proposed the theory of evolution which stated that all species developed by inheriting useful variations of their ancestors, and gradually, new species were formed.
after darwin proposed this theory, the process of classifying species was modified to show the relationships among different species.
according to darwin, what was the guiding factor behind the evolution of species?
continent formation
extinction event
high reproduction rate
natural selection

Explanation:

Darwin's theory of evolution is centered around natural selection. Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more offspring. It acts as the guiding factor in the evolution of species. High reproduction rate is part of the context of natural selection (more individuals produced than can survive), but not the guiding factor. Extinction event is a result that can be influenced by various factors including lack of adaptation (related to natural selection not occurring effectively in a changed environment). Continent formation is a geological process and not directly the guiding factor in biological evolution of species as per Darwin's theory.

Answer:

natural selection