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Voyage on the Beagle
The voyage lasted for 5 years, ending in October 1886. It was during this voyage that Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands and discovered the twelve different varieties of Finch that ultimately led to his theory of evolution and natural selection. Many other areas were visited during the voyage and many discoveries aided in Darwin's research. -
Darwin Goes Public with Theory of Evolution
Darwin took his collection of evidence from his voyage aboard the Beagle and presented it to the Zoological Society of London. He presented his findings that the species of finch had adapted over time to the rising South American landmass. He proposed that the species originated from one "parent" species, and that a natural selection process had allowed separation and adaptation to occur. -
"On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties" is Published
Alfred Russel Wallace sent Charles Darwin a correspondence which closely resembled Darwin's theories on evolution and natural selection. Both naturalist's research papers were sent to the Society of London: Zoology journal and published, together making this article. Darwin, Charles. On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties. Journal of the Linnean Society of London: Zoology. Vol. II, pp. 115-131. 30 Aug, 1885. -
"On the Origin of Species" is Published
This book detailed observations and inferences about the processes that change a species. Arguing that if a trait is developed that is beneficial to the individual, the individual is more likely to survive and reproduce. This is the basic idea of natural selection and evolution that Darwin is most known for. Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882. On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. London :John Murray, 1859. -
"The descent of Man" is Published
In this book, Charles Darwin applied his evolutionary theory to human evolution. This book followed his previous book and was met with resistance from Christian believers. This time frame of publications began a paradigm shift from the idea that species could not adapt, to the theory of natural selection and evolution of species. Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man: And Selection in Relation to Sex. London: J. Murray, 1871.
