The ideas expressed in a specific excerpt most clearly show the influence of which of the following works?

The correct answer reflects the influence of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species," which is recognized for introducing the concept of natural selection and evolution. If the excerpt in question addresses themes of social Darwinism, the survival of the fittest, or a scientific approach to human behavior and societal development, it draws heavily on Darwin’s theories.

Darwin's work fundamentally transformed the way society understood biological development and had broader implications, including the application of these ideas to social and political structures. In the context of the excerpt, if it discusses competition, adaptation, and the evolution of societies or human traits, these ideas align closely with Darwin’s emphasis on natural selection and the processes of evolution.

The other works mentioned are significant in their own right but do not align with the themes of evolution and natural selection. John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" focuses on government, individual rights, and the social contract, while Karl Marx's "The Communist Manifesto" discusses class struggles and economic systems. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" advocates for independence and republican governance. Each of these texts expresses different philosophies that do not parallel the scientific and biological implications found in Darwin's work.