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Darwin's First trip to Galapagos
Charles Darwin was offered a spot on the HMS Beagle headed to South America to chart it's waters. On September 15 1835, in the fourth year of a five year trip, Darwin landed on-shore of the Galapagos Islands. The mockingbirds and tortoises of the Galapagos "gave him cause to wonder about the immutability of life." (Nielsen, 2017). During his 35 days on the island, he noticed that hummingbirds and tortoises were noticeably different based on which island they were found. -
Darwin Verifies Notes From Galapagos
After his voyage on the HMS Beagle, Darwin returned to Cambridge, living there until 1838. At Cambridge he arranged "for his Beagle specimens to be identified." (Wyhe, 2002). He became, "friendly with the geologist Charles Lyell." Also, "The naturalist Gould identifies his bird specimens." (Wyhe, 2002). John Gould informed Darwin that he "misclassified a large array of specimens as minor variants of known species." (Nielsen, 2017). This helped Darwin in his theory of Natural Selection. -
Publication of "On the Origin of Species"
Why did it take more than two decades from this theory's conception to when it was published? The main reason is the controversy that would arise with such a large paradigm shift in biology. Matthen and Stephens said Darwin, "had no taste for that kind of controversy. So he sat on his work, year after year." Eventually, "On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life is published." (Wyhe, 2002). -
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Darwin's Theory Changing the World
Upon the initial publication of On the Origin of Species, it was (for the most part) widely accepted by the scientific world. At the time it was rejected by religious groups for going against their beliefs of God and/or a higher power. While his theory is accepted by most of the world, there are still religious people who deny the theory of evolution. Darwin's theory of evolution was a major paradigm shift in the mid 17th century, this change affecting people across the world to this day. -
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Many Editions of "On the Origin of Species"
It is said that, "Darwin started right in on a second edition" after the publication of the first edition. (Matthen, Stephens, 2007). This shows Darwin's work ethic and his devotion to finding the most pertinent and accurate information on the subjects he was invested in. His initial publication opened the flood gates of the debate of evolution versus the old claim that God had made every creature exactly as it needed to be. Darwin showed that they adapt to their environment overtime. -
YouTube Video
The link posted here is a brief, forthright video on Darwin and his theory of evolution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0B6os-6uuc