# Explain why scientists initially disagreed with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection when it was first published.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.6.3 The development of understanding of genetics and evolution · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. There was no knowledge of genetics / inheritance at the time, so Darwin could not explain how advantageous traits were passed on to offspring
2. There was insufficient fossil evidence at the time to support the theory
3. The theory challenged religious views / conflicted with the idea that God created all species
4. The theory was a radical / new idea and many scientists were reluctant to accept it without further evidence

## Key terms

- [natural selection](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/natural-selection)
- [evolution](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/evolution)
- [Charles Darwin](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/charles-darwin)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-scientists-initially-disagreed-with-b2cd8fa4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.