Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Biology

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was an English naturalist best known for developing the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. His 1859 book *On the Origin of Species* laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology.

Early life and education

Born in Shrewsbury, England in 1809, Darwin studied at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge. His early training in natural history set him on a path away from medicine and the clergy.

Voyage on HMS Beagle

From 1831 to 1836, Darwin served as a naturalist aboard HMS Beagle. His field observations of plants, animals, and geology during the voyage became central to his later theory of evolution.

Theory and On the Origin of Species

Darwin proposed that species change over time through natural selection. His 1859 book *On the Origin of Species* presented evidence for common descent and had a major impact on biology and public debate.

In short

  • Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
  • He was the naturalist on HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836.
  • On the Origin of Species was published in 1859.
  • His ideas transformed modern biology.

Quick questions

Who was Charles Darwin?
Charles Darwin was an English naturalist best known for explaining evolution by natural selection.
What is Darwin famous for?
He is famous for the theory of evolution by natural selection and for *On the Origin of Species*.
When was Charles Darwin born?
He was born on 12 February 1809 in Shrewsbury, England.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Darwin
    Supports: Biographical details, nationality, dates of birth and death, and Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Charles-Darwin
    Supports: Summary of Darwin’s education, HMS Beagle voyage, and impact of his discoveries.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/charles-darwin
    Supports: Education, Beagle voyage, Galápagos observations, and publication of *On the Origin of Species*.
  4. Darwin Online — https://darwin-online.org.uk/biography.html
    Supports: Overview of Darwin’s influence on natural history and evolutionary biology.