Prior to the publication of Charles Darwin's book, On the Origin of Species, what was the prevailing public consensus regarding species evolution?

a. That species were permanent and unchangingb. That species evolved through physical changes that led to successc. That species evolved by means of natural selectiond. That species were modified over time, but did not change into new species

a. That species were permanent and unchanging

Explanation:

The pre-Darwinian ideas about evolution were dominated by the "permanent nature of species". For example, the biologist Carl Linnaeus thought that each species was a special creation of God. He also thought that these heavenly forms were permanent and unchanging. Likewise, Aristotle believed in the unchanging nature of species. Aristotle had taught that every species is permanent and unchanging. Aristotle thought of organisms as being imperfect and arranged them on a scale of nature "moving toward a more perfect state.

The correct answer will be option-A

Explanation:

Charles Darwin is known for his theory of evolution which states that species changes over time and the force which leads to the change is called natural selection.

He was the first naturalist who gave the concept about how the earth has the biodiversity of species.

Before him, the scholars, philosophers and thinkers thought that the species do not change with time rather they are permanent and has remained the same throughout the history of life on Earth.

The Carolus Linnaeus, Father of taxonomy who lived in the 18th century also believed in the same idea that all plants and animals were originated in the same form as they are today.

Thus, option-A is the correct answer.