What major scientific concept did Charles Darwin introduce in his work?

Charles Darwin is renowned for introducing the Theory of Evolution through natural selection in his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species." This concept fundamentally reshaped the understanding of biological diversity, providing a mechanism for how species adapt and evolve over time in response to environmental pressures.

Darwin's theory posits that individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits on to future generations. This process explains the gradual change in species and the emergence of new species over long periods, highlighting the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the shared ancestry of all living organisms.

The other scientific concepts mentioned, such as Germ Theory, which relates to the understanding of disease and microorganisms, and Pasteurization, a method for preserving food, are separate areas of study. Transgenics, which involves genetic modification, is also distinct from Darwin’s contributions, focusing on the manipulation of genetic material rather than the broader evolutionary principles he discussed. Thus, the Theory of Evolution stands as a cornerstone of modern biology and is undeniably the major concept introduced by Darwin.