Charles+Darwin+(2)

Charles Dawin

Charles Darwin changed the course of science by publishing research that answered the question “Where do we come from?” in a scientific way.

Charles Darwin was born February 12, 1809 and dies April 19, 1882. He was 75 when he passed away. He was married to his wife Emma in 1839. He was raised in the United Kingdom. His background as a professional was as a Naturalist. He started as a medical student but when he became interested in marine invertebrates, he turned toward the study of nature. He took a five year journey on the H.M.S. Beagle and became an authority on geology and he published his journal from that trip. He then explored the fossils in the rocks, which led him to look at evolution. After extensive research with Alfred Russell Wallace, they came up with the theory of evolutionary descent. Darwin worked on his research with Alfred Russell Wallace although Wallace did not get the credit that Darwin did. The book __ The Origin of The Species __, published by John Murry, November 24, 1859 was considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. Darwin’s work was done before the discovery of DNA and the research we have today. Ernst Mayr summarized Darwin’s work saying:

1. Every species is fertile enough to survive. 2. Despite periodic fluctuations, populations remain roughly the same. 3. Resources like food are limited and generally stable. 4. A struggle for survival contiues. 5. Individuals in a population vary widely. 6. Much of variation is inherited. 7. Natural Selection summarized is the idea that “Survival of the Fittest,” only the strong survive. 8. This makes all species adapt to their environments.

He was most known for writing the book __The Origin of Species__, evolution by natural selection also called common descent. He was influenced by Alexander von Humbolt, John Herschel and Charles Lyell. He influenced other scientists like Joseph Dalton Hooker, Thomas Henry Huxley, George Romanes, Ernst Hacckel, and Sir John Lubbock. He received many notable awards; in 1853 he received the Royal Medal, in 1859 he received the Wollaston Medal, and in 1864 he received the Copely Medal.

Probably the other most significant impact of Darwin’s research and publications was that it turned the “Church” upside down and conflicted with the the religious beliefs at the time. Much was done to try and bring together the religious, political and scientific communities.

__Work Cited__

1870s, t. m., evolution, m. s., & Darwinism, p. T. (n.d.). On the Origin of Species - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia //. Retrieved January 18, 2013, from []

Author, T. (n.d.). Literature.org - The Online Literature Library. //Literature.org - The Online Literature Library //. Retrieved January 18, 2013, from []

Charles Darwin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia //. Retrieved January 18, 2013, from []