Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a British biologist, geologist and natural historian. He is well-known as the man who formulated the theory of evolution.
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a British biologist, geologist and natural historian. He is well-known as the man who formulated the theory of evolution.
Galapagos finches
When he was 22, Charles Darwin went on a scientific round-the-world expedition on the ship, the Beagle. He made a fascinating discovery on the Galapagos Islands. He realised that the finches differed slightly from island to island. The finches on the different islands were closely related but were different in important ways. This led Darwin to the idea that animals were able to evolve (develop or change).
Natural selection
Darwin formulated his famous theory of evolution when he returned from the expedition. In his book, On the Origin of Species, he described the process of natural selection. Species better suited to their environment are better able to survive and reproduce more often (survival of the fittest). The hereditary characteristics needed to do this are passed on to their descendants. The species gradually changes in this way and becomes better suited to its environment and circumstances.