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At the age of just 16 Charles Darwin was enrolled to Edinburgh University in Scotland. This is where his father hoped Charles would follow in his footsteps and earn a medical degree to become a doctor. However, natural history was more appealing than becoming a doctor. This led his studies moving to Cambridge, receiving his first degree in 1831.
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Charles Darwin held the position of naturalist aboard the ship. With this position he was able collect as many specimens he needed and ship them back to his place of study in the UK. “Home.” Famous Scientists, www.famousscientists.org/charles-darwin/.
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The ship sailed from England south around South America, to Australia and back to England stopping in Africa along the way. They also stopped at many islands, all while gathering different species of plants, flora, and specimen to send home for study upon his return. “Home.” Famous Scientists, www.famousscientists.org/charles-darwin/.
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Upon returning to the UK, Darwin went straight to work on his studies. After being home from voyage around three years, "Journal of Researchers" was published. This was comprised of his observations while away at sea for roughly five years.
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He was also able to publish five volumes of his work "Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle." These volumes even featured other scientists contributions to the studies.
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"On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection" is the book that explains Charles Darwin's theory's and thoughts regarding natural selection and evolution. Natural selection is the thought that species evolve through generations to survive in the ever changing environment. Whether it is to survive the weather or a new way of using a beak to gather food.
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When I think of Charles Darwin I think of his study on the Galapagos Finches compared to mainland finches. Darwin had around fourteen different species of finch, all with different beaks. He was able to conclude the finches were only on Galapagos island. The beaks on the birds had evolved based on the type of food on the island due to natural selection.
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"Species change over time, including divergent evolution, or adaptive radiation, of the Galapagos finches" (Scoville). The link below should take you to an image of Darwin's drawing of four of the different beaks. The image has been edited to show what each finch eats or gathers food from. It gives you an idea of why the finches would need different size beaks. https://s29681.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/darwin-finches.jpg
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