Charles Darwin

Who was Charles Darwin?
Charles Darwin was an English biologist who was born in 1809 and made the theory of evolution and theorized the process of natural selection, also known as Darwinism.

How did Charles Darwin make the theory of evolution?
With the information acquired through his examinations and his studies of multi-celled organisms and their fossils, Charles realized that some species of animals have certain traits in common. He also noticed differences between them depending on their environment, giving him the idea that the animals and plants we have now evolved from another animal that existed before. On 1859, November 24, Charles Darwin wrote a book that explains the details of his theory; the book was titled "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection".

What was his childhood like?
Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. He was the second child in a family with 6 children. His family already had scientists before him; his father was a doctor and his grandfather was a botanist (someone who studied plants). Tragically, Charles Darwin's mother died while he was only at the age of eight. His father, R.W. Darwin wanted Charles to also be a doctor. Although, Charles was discomforted when seeing blood. When he was sixteen years old, Charles went to Edinburgh University along with his brother.

What happened on the HMS Beagle?
During his time at Christ College, Charles Darwin was mentored by John Stevens Henslow, a professor. After graduation with a bachelor of arts degree in 1831, Henslow suggested to Charles that he should take the position as a naturalist on the HMS Beagle, led by Captain Robert FitzRoy. Since it was heading on a five-year trip worldwide, it would be a great opportunity for Charles. The trip began on December 27, 1831. During the voyage, Charles Darwin was able to collect samples from various fossils, plants, and birds. Through his research and experiments on the specimen, Charles was able to get an understanding of geology, botany, and zoology.

What happened after the voyage?
After returning to England in 1836, Charles wrote what he found in the Journal of Researches. Charles published it as an extension to Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle, a book written by the Captain FitzRoy. He then began to theorize the origin of the living creatures, despite being against what was already believed by other naturalists.


When did he die?
Charles Darwin died on April 19, 1882, in the home of his family. He was then buried at Westminster Abbey.