Charles Darwin
What’s inside
Published on 24 November 1859, ‘On the Origin of Species’ revolutionized the way we understand the natural world. Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. It presented a body of evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent through a branching pattern of evolution. Darwin meticulously detailed the variation in species across different habitats, the struggle for existence, and how adaptation and selection drive the emergence of new species. This book was a critical step in the development of evolutionary biology and laid the foundations for the modern understanding of evolution.
You’ll Learn
- Understanding the foundational principles of evolutionary biology
- Appreciating the historical context of Darwin’s theory
- Gaining insights into the scientific process and the accumulation of evidence
- Exploring the impact of evolutionary theory on various aspects of society and science
Key Points
- Variation exists among individuals within species
- The struggle for existence shapes evolution
- Natural selection drives the adaptation of species
- Evidence of common descent of species
- Impact of evolutionary theory on science and society
Who’s it For
- Science enthusiasts
- Students and academics in biology
- Historians of science
- Readers interested in evolutionary theory
About the author
Charles Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, best known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. Born in 1809, Darwin’s extensive observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle formed the basis of his later work on evolution. His publication of ‘On the Origin of Species’ in 1859 established him as a prominent figure in science, changing the course of modern biology.