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Birth and Early Life
Charles Robert Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. Charles had a better-than-average childhood due to his father being a doctor of the time. He first began his studies in 1825 when he was enrolled at the University of Edinburgh. Here, he was led away from pursuing the medical field after witnessing a surgery upon a child, which at the time was barbaric compared to now. He decided to leave the University and went to Cambridge University to study Theology. -
Early life cont.
While at Cambridge, Charles was given the opportunity to take part in a 5-year voyage, where he was recommended by one of his professors to be a naturalist and the ship captain's companion. During the voyage, Charles collected many specimens of all kinds and took many notes. After the 5-year voyage in 1836, he returned to England. He would further study his collection of specimens for many years to develop his future theory. Darwin also began breeding pigeons to attempt to replicate his theory. -
Scientific Theory of Evolution
Even after composing what many consider to be the best evidence-based theory in history, Charles still hesitated and delayed the publication of his theory. In 1859, Darwin published "On the Origin of Species" this debuted his theory. "Darwin defined evolution as "descent with modification," the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor." -
Further Publication
Darwin later published another book that piggy-backed off of his theory. This book, "The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex," theorized that man originated from great apes and evolved into what we know today as humans. This book was also heavily scrutinized but was later widely accepted and is recognized to be a fact by most in current day society. -
Death and Modern Day Impact
Charles Robert Darwin died on April 19, 1882, in Down House, Downe, United Kingdom due to a heart attack following several seizures. Darwin's current-day impact is immense. Not only did he change the way scientists thought, but he paved the way for many future theories. The term "Darwinism" was coined to describe something in relation to Darwin's theory of evolution. -
Resources and citations
Informational Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VFxefR23EY&t=73s Citations: “Darwin, Evolution, & Natural Selection (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/natural-selection/natural-selection-ap/a/darwin-evolution-natural-selection. “Charles Darwin: History's Most Famous Biologist.” Natural History Museum, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/charles-darwin-most-famous-biologist.html.