Scientist & Naturalist
Charles Darwin (1809–1882)
Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who revolutionised our understanding of life on Earth by developing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
The Voyage of HMS Beagle
Darwin sailed on HMS Beagle on a five-year scientific voyage that began in 1831. During the journey he visited South America, the Galápagos Islands, Australia, and other parts of the world, collecting specimens and making detailed observations of plants and animals.
The extraordinary variety of life he encountered — particularly the different species of finches and tortoises on the Galápagos Islands — prompted him to reflect on how species change over time. These observations formed the foundation of his theory of evolution.
On the Origin of Species
In 1859 Darwin published On the Origin of Species, setting out his theory of evolution by natural selection. The theory proposes that species gradually change over many generations: individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits. Over time, this process leads to the development of new species.
The book was hugely controversial at the time because it challenged religious accounts of creation. Today, evolution by natural selection is the cornerstone of modern biology.
Key facts for the test
- Lived from 1809 to 1882
- Developed the theory of evolution by natural selection
- Published On the Origin of Species in 1859
- Sailed on HMS Beagle on a scientific voyage
- His ideas form the basis of modern biology