---

Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

He is the author of On the Origin of Species, a book that changed how man views himself in the universe. Darwin's Galapagos visit laid the groundwork for his theory of evolution.

Below are the four "evolutionary" stages of Darwin's lifetime.

---

Darwin's childhood

Charles Darwin grows up uneventfully in England in an upper-middle class environment. His father is a well-to-do doctor.

---

Darwin's young adult years

He starts off studying medicine, but loses interest. Charles Darwin's focus drifts to natural history and botany, fields that fascinated him during his childhood.

In 1831, after graduating from Cambridge University, Darwin signs on the HMS Beagle as the ship's naturalist. The round-the-world voyage lasts nearly five years.

In 1835, the Beagle spends five weeks exploring the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin, then 26, avidly researches and collects biological specimens.

---

Prime of his professional life

It was only after Charles Darwin returned to England that he begins grasping in earnest the concept of evolution theory, with natural selection being the mechanism. Essentially, Darwin believes that organisms that best adapt to an environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to future generations.

Interestingly, Darwin's book, On the Origin of the Species, isn't published until 1859, more than two decades after he left the Galapagos Islands.

The book creates widespread controversy, from the public and especially from the church.

---

Darwin's final years

As time passes, his theory of evolution becomes widely accepted by the scientific community and public at large. By the time he dies in 1882, he is a legend among his peers and famous around the world.

---

Best 5 islands
Top 5 land & shore wildlife
Top 5 birds
Top 5 marine life

Best Galapagos ships by category
Boat class - pros & cons
Itinerary tips
Cost and booking tips

Best time to go
Getting there tips
Packing tips
Snorkeling tips
Diving tips
Some more helpful tips

Celebrity Xpedition
Charles Darwin - Brief bio
Interesting Galapagos facts

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

---

---

Ecuador Ministry of Tourism

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com