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    Charles Darwin- A Brief Biography

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    Rezie Ejera
    The famous scientist

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    Charles Darwin- A Brief Biography

    Uploaded by

    Rezie Ejera
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    The famous scientist

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    The famous scientist

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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    1 views2 pages

    Charles Darwin- A Brief Biography

    Uploaded by

    Rezie Ejera
    The famous scientist

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    Charles Darwin: A Brief Biography

    Full Name: Charles Robert Darwin


    Born: February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
    Died: April 19, 1882, in Downe, Kent, England

    Overview:
    Charles Darwin was an English naturalist, biologist, and geologist best known for his
    groundbreaking work on the theory of evolution by natural selection. His ideas profoundly
    shaped the biological sciences and changed how humanity understands its place in the natural
    world.

    Early Life and Education


    Darwin was the fifth of six children born into a wealthy and intellectual family. His father, Dr.
    Robert Darwin, was a physician, and his mother, Susannah Darwin, was the daughter of the
    famous potter Josiah Wedgwood.

    Initially studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Darwin found it uninteresting and was
    disturbed by surgical procedures performed without anesthesia. He then transferred to Christ’s
    College, Cambridge, to study theology. However, his true passion lay in the natural sciences.

    Voyage on the HMS Beagle (1831–1836)


    At 22, Darwin joined the HMS Beagle as a naturalist for a five-year voyage around the world.
    This journey proved pivotal in shaping his scientific ideas.

    Key observations from the voyage included:

    Galápagos Islands: Variations in finches' beaks led Darwin to consider how species adapt to
    their environments.
    South America: Fossil discoveries and geographical patterns supported the idea of gradual
    changes in species over time.
    Theory of Evolution
    In 1859, Darwin published his seminal work, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural
    Selection. The book introduced the concept of evolution through natural selection, proposing
    that:

    Species evolve over time.


    Variations beneficial to survival are passed on to future generations.
    Competition for resources drives adaptation.
    This theory, supported by meticulous observations and evidence, faced significant controversy
    initially but became the foundation of modern biology.

    Later Life and Legacy


    Darwin continued to publish influential works, including The Descent of Man (1871), where he
    explored human evolution, and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872),
    examining shared traits between humans and animals.

    Despite suffering from chronic illness for much of his life, Darwin remained a prolific researcher.
    He was buried in Westminster Abbey, an honor reflecting his immense contributions to science.

    Legacy:
    Darwin’s work reshaped biology and influenced many fields, including genetics, anthropology,
    and ecology. His ideas remain central to scientific understanding of life and evolution.

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