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Charles Darwin

By hilmoore

  • Early Life

    Early Life
    Born on February 12, 1809, in the small town of Shrewsbury, England, into a family of privilege and wealth. He was the second youngest of six children. Darwin who loved to explore came from a long line of scientists. His father was a medical doctor and his grandfather, a botanist. Sadly though, his mother passed away when he was 8.

  • Education

    Education
    At the age of 16, Charles Darwin enrolled at the University of Edinburgh. Two years after, he then became a student at Christ’s College in Cambridge. With much hope from his father to follow in his footsteps, Darwin hated the sight of blood and decided to study natural history instead.

  • Education Continued

    Education Continued
    While attending Christ’s College in Cambridge, Darwin’s botany professor, John Stevens Henslow became his mentor. Upon Graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in 1831, Henslow recommended Darwin accept a naturalist’s position aboard the HMS Beagle. This would prove to be the opportunity of a lifetime for Darwin.

  • Voyage Aboard the HMS Beagle

    Voyage Aboard the HMS Beagle
    The HMS Beagle set off on its voyage around the world, December 27th, 1831. During the course of the trip, Darwin collected a large variety of natural specimens such as plants, fossils, and even birds. Through hands-on research and experimentation, Darwin was able to observe various principles in botany, zoology as well as geology. The islands Galapagos islands and South America were two of Darwin’s favored spots during his voyage.

  • Return Home

    Return Home
    Darwin returned home to England in 1836, 5 years after his maiden voyage. It was then Darwin began to write a journal of all his findings which was later published as part of Captain FitzRoy’s narrative in Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle. Darwin’s experience aboard the HMS Beagle had a profound effect on how he viewed natural history which then developed into his revolutionary theory about the origin of all living things.

  • Darwin's Theory of Evolution

    Darwin's Theory of Evolution
    Darwin’s observation of birds and plants during his time on the HMS Beagle led him to the development of a theory about evolution. Darwin’s theory stated that all species survived through a process he called “natural selection”. Natural selection involved a species ability to successfully adapt or evolve over time in accordance with changes in habitat over time. Those species that failed to evolve and reproduce died off. https://youtu.be/T0B6os-6uuc

  • Theory of Evolution Continued

    Theory of Evolution Continued
    Throughout his travels, Darwin noticed similarities amongst species all over the world. This led him to believe that all species gradually evolved from common ancestors. After years of scientific research and investigation, Darwin introduced his theory of evolution to the public. On November 24th, 1859, he published a thorough explanation of his theory, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, which was later considered to be his best-known work.

  • Death

    Death
    Darwin passed away in London at his home on April 19, 1882, and was buried at Westminster Abbey. Over the next century, DNA studies have provided scientific evidence that supports Darwin’s theory of evolution despite the controversy surrounding the conflict with Creationism. Charles Darwin. (2019, August 28). Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/scientist/charles-darwin