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Charles Darwin
During the mid-nineteenth, English naturalist Charles Darwin made exceptional contributions to the way we study and understand modern evolutionary theory. His various works included The Origin of Species covered later in this timeline. -
Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle
Following his studies at Cambridge University, Darwin jumped at the suggestion to study collect specimens for his research on a cross Atlantic journey from England to South America aboard The HMS Beagle, captained by Robert Fitzroy. Ecology and Geology being the focal point of research for Darwin, his expedition allowed him to study the myriad of wild-life the new lands had to offer. This expedition is covered in detail in a video linked below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRmzmYmMTKk -
Natural Selection
In his work he outlined bold ideas behind natural selection when it came to the procreation of species. Examples include that an individual’s traits could be inherited by its progeny; and that the struggle for existence would allow only those with favorable traits to survive.* [*] Reference: Charles Darwin, Desmond 2020, encyclopedia Brittanica. -
The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection
It is considered to be the most important biological book ever written. The core of the theory, as laid out in the first few chapters of the book, is quickly explained. Plants and animals produce more individuals than nature can sustain in each generation. These individuals vary in looks and in physical and behavioral characteristics, and they are able to pass on this variation to the next generation.* Reference [*]: Guide to the classics: Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, Kindt, 2018.
