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Charles Darwin was born into a free thinking, wealthy and Christian family as the 5th child of Robert Waring Darwin, who was a physician, and Susannah Wedgwood.
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Darwin studied medicine at Edinburgh University which is where he hear speeches about the latest theories of evolution, which was then known as transmutation. He eventually left medicine in 1827.
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Over the span of 5 years, Darwin voyaged to 4 continents collecting specimens, investigating the local geology and reflecting on the slow processes which happen over lengthy periods of a time frame, thus laying the groundwork for his eventual most famous works.
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He first privately conceptualized that evolution occurred by natural selection. If a species wanted to survive in the future and procreate more abundantly, it would need to be more adaptable to its environment.
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Wallace also independently theorized natural selection and would eventually receive partial credit from Darwin when it was publicized.
Below is a link for a youtube video.
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Darwin finally publishes the 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection', after 28 years of data gathering and theorizing. 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.
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Darwin questioned the effects of inbreeding but was refused.
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Darwin finally published 'The Descent of Man', finding the courage to present his idea that we are all descendants of apes, which he had only once ever hinted at.
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Charles Darwin died at the age of 73 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He continued to work despite his failing health as he isolated himself to only his wife and some friends.
