Charles Darwin 1809–1882
Wrote the Theory of Natural Selection
In 1831, British naturalist Charles Darwin was offered the chance of a lifetime — to sail to South America and the South Pacific islands. The trip from Great Britain would take five years and he would not be paid for his work, but he would be able to study animals, plants, and landforms that Europeans had never seen.
During his trip, Darwin visited the “frying hot” Galápagos (guh LAH puh guhs) Islands, hundreds of miles away from any other land. Many unusual animals and plants lived there, and yet some looked similar to the ones at home. Why were they similar? Where did they come from? Darwin wrote down his questions and observations in 1,750 pages of notes and a 750-page diary. His study of the Galápagos helped him develop his theory of evolution by natural selection.
Critical Thinking
What were some of the advantages and disadvantages for Darwin of his trip?