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Charles Darwin, aged 22, embarks on the HMS Beagle from Plymouth, England
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Darwin is intrigued by some of the giant fossils he sees in Punta Alta, Argentina.
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Darwin first begins recording his observations. After crossing the equator to Brazil, he explored Brazilian rain forests for the first time in Salvador.
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In March 1833, he arrived at the barren Falkland Islands. He discovered some fossils of brachiopods, primitive two-shelled organisms, there.
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Darwin sees the eruption of Mount Osorno while on Chiloe Island, Chile. He later experiences an earthquake near Valdivia.
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Darwin found many species of plants, birds, and tortoises unique to the Galapagos. He found the huge tortoises and the iguanas particularly fascinating. He observed that some animals blended in with their surroundings, while others stood out. He also observed that mainland species and those on the Galapagos were mysteriously related. Darwin was stunned to learn that Galapagos finches, whom he thought were different types of birds, were actually all finches!
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Darwin is intrigued by the marsupials, wondering why there were a completely different set of mammals in Australia.
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Darwin studies the coral reefs growing around the island to test his atoll formation theory.
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The Beagle finally returns to England and Darwin's home.
