Which scientist most inspired darwin to pursue his studies of evolution?

a. linnaeus, who first proposed that humans and primates are similar

b. malthus, who thought that populations could outgrow their food sources

c. linnaeus, who thought that populations could outgrow their food sources

d. malthus, who first proposed that humans and primates are similar

The correct answer will be option B (Malthus, who thought that populations could outgrow their food sources).

Explanation:

Charles Darwin is known for his theory of evolution and ideas of natural selection. He was genius who was influenced by work of many people not only naturalist, scientists but geologist, economists and the influence of these people helped him developed his ideas on natural selection and evolution.

Thomas Malthus was one of them who influenced Darwin, though he was an economist and not a scientist. His work on growth of human population and ideas like human population grow faster than food production and when populations become too large, famine and disease break out were applied by Darwin on all species which influenced him to develop the idea of "survival of the fittest". His work also supported Galapagos finches and their beak adaptations.

Thus, option B-Malthus, who thought that populations could outgrow their food sources will be the correct answer.

explanation:

they can be good for the ecosystem