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Childhood
Charles Darwin was born into a wealthy family. Both his father and grandfather were physicians. Growing up, Darwin disliked school which focused on Ancient Greece and Latin but he loved the outdoors and natural world ("Charles Darwin"). -
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College
Darwin became a medical student at the University of Edinburgh, but he did not enjoy his studies. Though his father disapproved, he started studying zoology, marine biology, and geology ("Charles Darwin"). His father withdrew him from the University of Edinburgh and sent him to Christ College, University of Cambridge in hopes that he would become a clergyman and wouldn't disappoint the family (Lennox). From here, Darwin received a Bachelor of Arts degree. -
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H. M. S. Beagle Voyage
In the summer of 1831, Darwin was offered a position as a naturalist on a five year voyage to the coast of South America. While on the voyage he discovered many fossils that suggested there were animals of the same species with different adaptations (Lennox). While in the Galapagos Islands, Darwin encountered many unique species that differed from each island ("Charles Darwin"). From the islands he collected many specimens of of finches. -
Results From the Voyage
Darwin presented his discoveries from his voyage to the Geological Society of London. This included the fossils he had found as well as his notes on the beginning of his theory of natural selection. He also presented his specimens of finches which resulted in the discovery of 12 new finch species and a new group of finches.
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Theory of Evolution
In October of 1838, Darwin theorized about the natural selection. He began to study how breeders improved domestic animals and tried to relate it to the adaptations that happen to species in nature ("Charles Darwin". In 1842 he wrote his theory of evolution of natural selection but kept it private until he had more facts to back it up. In 1845 he published his notes and thoughts about the Galapagos finches and how they display natural selection. -
Letter from Alfred Russel
Darwin received a letter from college Alfred Russel that contained Darwin's same theory on evolution ("Charles Darwin"). He could no longer withhold his theory from the public. -
The Origin of Species
Darwin published his most famous book The Origin of Species. Many consider it the "most important book in the history of biology" ("Charles Darwin"). He continued to add to this book which eventually had 6 editions. This book contained the theory that species evolve over time through natural selection. The "better" adaptation of species survive while the "weaker" adaptations become extinct. -
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Other Works of Darwin
Darwin also wrote the Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication and The Descent of Man. The Descent of Man caused a lot of controversy because it contradicted popular Christian and Catholic believed. The book provided evidence that humans are animals and members of the ape family ("Charles Darwin"). Many people frowned upon this including pathologist Rudolf Virchow who tried to outlaw Darwin's theories in German schools ("Charles Darwin"). -
Works Cited
"Charles Darwin." Famous Scientists. famousscientists.org. 15 Nov. 2015. Web. 5/26/2019 <www.famousscientists.org/charles-darwin/>. Education, FuseSchool - Global. YouTube, YouTube, 4 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=s64Y8sVYfFY. Lennox, James. “Darwinism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 26 May 2015, plato.stanford.edu/entries/darwinism/.
