What obstacles did Darwin's theory of natural selection and evolution face and how did he overcome these? I know one would be scientists in those days having different theories (obstacle)...

religion. His idea meant that God hadn't created us individually and for a purpose but that species were made that way due to survival of the fittest. Only the animals with the suitable characteristics survive.

Darwin's theory of natural selection and evolution faced several obstacles during his time. One significant obstacle was the prevailing belief in the concept of species stability and fixity, which held that species were unchanging and immutable. This belief was deeply entrenched in religious and philosophical views of the time, making it difficult for Darwin's ideas to gain acceptance.

To overcome this obstacle, Darwin collected extensive evidence to support his theory. His groundbreaking work during his voyage on the HMS Beagle provided him with firsthand observations of the varying characteristics of species across different environments. Darwin also extensively studied the fossil record, which revealed the existence of extinct species that differed from present-day species.

Furthermore, Darwin conducted extensive breeding experiments on plants and animals to demonstrate that organisms could be selectively bred for certain traits, supporting the concept of artificial selection. He argued that natural selection, operating over long periods of time, could lead to the gradual transformation and diversification of species.

Another obstacle that Darwin faced was the presence of alternative theories competing for scientific acceptance. Some scientists proposed theories such as Lamarckism, which proposed that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime could be inherited by future generations. These alternative theories challenged Darwin's concept of natural selection.

To overcome this obstacle, Darwin continued to refine his theories and gather supporting evidence. He gathered extensive data on variation within species, demonstrating that individuals within populations had different traits and characteristics. He also carefully studied the mechanisms of inheritance, which provided evidence for the transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, presented a comprehensive and persuasive argument for his theory. The book combined observational evidence, experimental data, and logical reasoning to provide a solid foundation for his ideas. Although his theory faced initial resistance and controversy, it ultimately gained acceptance as more scientists were convinced by the wealth of evidence Darwin presented.

In summary, Darwin overcame the obstacles to his theory of natural selection and evolution by gathering extensive evidence from various sources, conducting experiments, and refining his arguments. His persistence, meticulous research, and compelling presentation of evidence allowed his theory to withstand scientific scrutiny and become one of the cornerstone theories of modern biology.