Empedocles

(445 B.C.) developed to a further stage the idea of evolution whereby organs arise not by design but by selection

Empedocles (fl. 445 b. c, in Sicily) developed to a further stage the idea of evolution. 1 Organs arise not by design but by selection. Nature makes many trials and experiments with organisms, combining organs variously; where the combination meets environmental needs the organism survives and perpetuates its like; where the combination fails, the organism is weeded out; as time goes on, organisms are more and more intricately and successfully adapted to their surroundings.

Empedocles, n.All

Empedocles