Summary
The naturalist who proposed natural selection in On the Origin of Species in 1859 after the Beagle voyage.
In depth
Darwin's observations on the HMS Beagle voyage (1831-36), including finches, tortoises and fossils, led him to develop his theory over 20 years. Wallace independently reached the same idea in 1858 and the two papers were presented together. The Origin of Species (1859) also gave the evidence for common descent.
He did not know the mechanism of heredity; the modern synthesis later combined Darwin with Mendelian genetics.
Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859 after Wallace's letter from Ternate in 1858 prompted him to share his long-held ideas; their joint paper was read at the Linnean Society in July 1858. Influences included Lyell's geology (deep time), Malthus on population, and breeders' work. He later wrote on sexual selection, human descent and expression of emotions.
Darwin did not know the mechanism of inheritance; Mendel's work was unnoticed, and it took until the modern synthesis in the 1930s and 1940s, by Fisher, Haldane, Wright, Dobzhansky and Mayr, to combine genetics with selection. Darwin is buried in Westminster Abbey near Isaac Newton.
Example: his study of barnacles over eight years gave him authority as a biologist and sharpened his ideas about variation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Charles Darwin?
The naturalist who proposed natural selection in On the Origin of Species in 1859 after the Beagle voyage.
Which area of biology covers Charles Darwin, and how advanced is it?
Charles Darwin is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Allopatric Speciation, Natural Selection, Evolution.
Can you give an example of Charles Darwin?
His work on barnacles, earthworms and pigeons provided detailed support.
What should I learn before Charles Darwin?
Charles Darwin is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Evolution that pair well with it include Evolution, Natural Selection, Adaptation.
What topics are related to Charles Darwin?
The closest topics to Charles Darwin are Allopatric Speciation, Natural Selection, Evolution, Molecular Clock. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Charles Darwin?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Charles Darwin. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Charles Darwin different from Allopatric Speciation?
Charles Darwin: The naturalist who proposed natural selection in On the Origin of Species in 1859 after the Beagle voyage. Allopatric Speciation: Speciation after a geographic barrier separates populations, as with Darwin's finches on separate islands. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Charles Darwin step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Allopatric Speciation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.