-
Birth
Charles Darwin is born in Shrewsbury England to Mr.Robert Darwin, and Mrs.Susannah Darwin.
Darwin's life and accomplishments -
Journal of Researches Into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries Visited During the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle.
Commonly referred to as "The Voyage of the Beagle", this is largely considered Darwin's first major work. It is a publication of all of his observations of a 5-year journey aboard the H.M.S Beagle. This voyage is where he made his first observations of the plants and animals of South America and planted the seeds for what is considered his greatest work "On the Origin of Species". -
"On the Origin of Species"
Considered Darwin's most famous work, this publication introduced the theory of "Natural Selection".
From his collection of observations from various journeys around the world, Darwin surmised the idea of evolution occurring from adaptations animals developed through natural selection. As well as the idea of evolution creating different species from a common ancestor.
This work challenged the long-held belief of creationism and laid the foundation for modern biological studies. -
"The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex"
Commonly referred to as "The Descent of Man" Darwin famously argues his idea of sexual selection and that man is subject to the same evolutionary rules that animals are.
The idea of sexual selection further challenged the commonly held belief of creationism. Darwin's idea was that animals (including humans) that possed more desirable traits were more likely to reproduce, and pass those desirable traits to their offspring.
The mechanism of sexual selection further argued his theory of evolution. -
"The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals"
In this publication, Darwin introduced the idea that humans across many cultures and animals demonstrate similar patterns of expressing emotion.
This work was a further expansion on his "On Origin of Species" and was used as evidence that humans and animals derived from a common ancestor.
This work also led to some of the first psychological studies on humans' ability to recognize emotion. These experiments, and the use of a control, were at the cutting edge of science for their time. -
Death
Charles Darwin passes away at age 73 in Downe, England from heart failure.
Darwin's work lives on as the framework for modern biology, psychology, and genetics. His work argued successfully against the long-held belief of creationism and allowed for further study on the topic of evolution through natural selection.