-
Period: to
Lived
-
Period: to
The Beagle Voyage
Charles Darwin went on a 5-year voyage around South America. During this time he collected many specimens and observed many species. These observations were fundamental to developing his theory of evolution by natural selection.
Darwin donated many of these specimens to scientists, especially the finches he collected. He was able to confirm that the finches he collected were actually different species and not just variations of the same species. -
Period: to
Conception
Charles Darwin developed his theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in private. He developed the branch theory of evolution, which differed from the linear theory of evolution at the time.
The Branch Theory of evolution states that all creatures have common ancestors that were "branched away from" to evolve into new species through evolution.
The Linear theory of evolution stated that each animal evolved from an original member of the species and just evolved to continued perfection. -
Publishing
Charles Darwin was still sitting on his theory when he was approached by Alfred Wallace who presented a paper with the same theory. This pushed Darwin to publish his theory so that Wallace would not get credit for it. -
Influence
Charles Darwin greatly influenced modern science. He was the founder of Biological Philosophy and he introduced the idea of using history in science. While there were many flaws in Darwin's theory it is still the foundation for current studies and beliefs of evolution.
[Link text] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfsUz2O2jww
