The article elaborates on how Charles Darwin's understanding of natural selection was intertwined with the economic principles put forward by Robert Malthus. Malthus proposed that humans, much like other species, undergo a process of trial and error in their competition for scarce resources. This principle became a pivotal guide for Darwin as he visualized evolution not as a divine creation but rather as a natural phenomenon driven by chance and competitive survival among species. He noted that no individual or deity needs to design a species; instead, it evolves through random variations that are filtered by natural selection.

The article further highlights Darwin's observation of wildlife, particularly on the Galápagos Islands, where he recognized variations among species and how these variations contributed to their chances of survival in different ecological niches. The notion of 'survival of the fittest' stems from Malthus's economic theories, which emphasize competition and the survival mechanisms that govern species adaptation and evolution. This perspective demystifies the process of evolution, showcasing it as one without a predetermined plan, where individual survival strategies can manifest as either selfish or cooperative.

Lastly, the article provides examples from the animal kingdom, mentioning how species such as the blue macaw may choose differing strategies based on food availability. The discussion around these adaptive strategies offers insight into the broader implications of economic theories applied to natural selection, encouraging readers to recognize the overlaps between biological evolution and economic thought, thereby enriching their understanding of both fields.