 Charles Robert Darwin

was a naturalist and

biologist known for his
theory of evolution
and the process of
natural selection.
 Born in Shrewsbury, England, in 1831 he
embarked on a five-year survey voyage
around the world on the HMS Beagle; his
studies of specimens led him to
formulate his theories. In 1859, he
published his landmark book, On the
Origin of Species.
 Darwin’s theory of evolution declared
that species survived through a process
called "natural selection," where those
that successfully adapted, or evolved, to
meet the changing requirements of their
natural habitat thrived, while those that
failed to evolve and reproduce died off.
 In 1831 at the age of
22, Charles Darwin
was given the
opportunity of
travelling aboard a
survey ship, HMS
Beagle, as a
naturalist. It would
prove to be a life-
changing
experience for him.
 It was a round the world journey that
took in several continents and equipped
the young Darwin with a fundamental
knowledge of geology and biology, as
well as information on various animal
species that would later prove extremely
important when developing his theory of
evolution.
 During his five year journey, Darwin filled
countless note books and ledgers with
an abundance of information and facts
on the various animal and plant life that
he picked up on his travels, shipping
home more than 1,500 different species
in the process.
 On December 27, 1831, the HMS Beagle
launched its voyage around the world
with Darwin aboard.

 Over the course of the trip, Darwin

collected a variety of natural specimens,
including birds, plants and fossils.
 Through hands-on research and
experimentation, he had the unique
opportunity to closely observe principles
of botany, geology and zoology.

 The Pacific Islands and Galapagos

Archipelago were of particular interest to
Darwin, as was South America.
 It was in Latin America
where Darwin made
many of his most
important discoveries
that had a lasting
influence on his future
work and evolutionary
theory.
 In Brazil, Darwin first experienced the
rainforest; collecting samples and
making meticulous field notes to send
back home.
 Further south, in
what is now
Argentina, and
also on the bleakly
desolate Falkland
Islands, Darwin
was able to find
countless fossils
and geological
findings.
 Made up of lots of small islands, Darwin
landed at only four of the islands on the
archipelago: San Cristobal, Floreana,
Santiago, and Isabela. It was the
numerous differences between the
animals, flora and fauna on each island
that caused such a sensation to Darwin
and helped him prove his theory.
 He wrote at the time.
the circumstance that
several of the islands
possess their own
species of tortoise,
mocking-thrush,
finches, and numerous
plants, these species
having the same
general habits,
occupying analogous
situations.
 Following a lifetime of devout research,
Charles Darwin died at his family home,
Down House, in London, on April 19,
1882.