Final answer:
Darwin and Lamarck had differing views on evolution; Lamarck believed in the inheritance of acquired traits, which Darwin did not, influenced by Lyell’s geological findings and Malthus’s ideas on population. Darwin delayed publishing his work because it was controversial and only did so when he knew of Wallace's similar theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Darwin's and Lamarck's Views of Evolution:
Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck were both prominent scientists who theorized about the mechanism of evolution. Darwin, who is best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, did not believe in the inheritance of acquired characteristics, which was a central aspect of Lamarck's theory. Lamarck proposed that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetimes to their offspring, a concept now known to be incorrect. Darwin’s views were instead shaped by the gradual geological processes described by Charles Lyell in his book Principles of Geology, which also suggested the Earth was much older than previously believed.
Impact of Lyell and Malthus on Darwin's Theory:
Darwin was also influenced by Thomas Malthus, who argued that populations could outgrow their resources leading to natural checks on their growth. Darwin applied this concept to the natural world, realizing that in the struggle for resources, only the fittest would survive and reproduce, leading to evolution over time.
Why Did Darwin Hesitate with Publication?
Darwin hesitated to publish his theory due to the controversial nature of his findings, which challenged the prevailing creationist view. It was only after learning that Alfred Wallace had independently developed a similar theory that Darwin decided to present his work to the scientific community.