Born in 1809 in Shrewsbury, England, this individual became one of the most influential (1) in history, revolutionizing the way humanity understands life on Earth. Initially destined for a career in medicine, they found their true (2) in the natural world, leading them to study at the University of Cambridge with the intent of becoming a clergyman. However, their interest in geology, botany, and zoology soon (3) other pursuits.
Their groundbreaking journey began in 1831 when they joined the HMS Beagle as a (4) on a five-year voyage around the world. This expedition allowed them to study diverse (5) , fossils, and species, particularly in South America and the Galápagos Islands. Observing variations in (6) , tortoises, and other animals across different islands, they began to formulate ideas about how species (7) to their environments over time.
In 1859, they published On the Origin of Species, presenting the theory of (8) by natural selection. This work proposed that species evolve over generations through a process in which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. The book sparked significant controversy, challenging (9) views on the origins of life, yet it gradually gained acceptance as one of the most important scientific ideas of all time.
Their (10) research and bold ideas forever changed biology, shaping disciplines like genetics, ecology, and anthropology. Their legacy endures as a symbol of scientific curiosity and the power of evidence-based reasoning to illuminate the natural world.
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Born in 1809 in Shrewsbury, England, this individual became one of the most influential (1) scientists in history, revolutionizing the way humanity understands life on Earth. Initially destined for a career in medicine, they found their true (2) passion in the natural world, leading them to study at the University of Cambridge with the intent of becoming a clergyman. However, their interest in geology, botany, and zoology soon (3) overshadowed other pursuits.
Their groundbreaking journey began in 1831 when they joined the HMS Beagle as a (4) naturalist on a five-year voyage around the world. This expedition allowed them to study diverse (5) ecosystems, fossils, and species, particularly in South America and the Galápagos Islands. Observing variations in (6) finches, tortoises, and other animals across different islands, they began to formulate ideas about how species (7) adapt to their environments over time.
In 1859, they published On the Origin of Species, presenting the theory of (8) evolution by natural selection. This work proposed that species evolve over generations through a process in which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. The book sparked significant controversy, challenging (9) prevailing views on the origins of life, yet it gradually gained acceptance as one of the most important scientific ideas of all time.
Their (10) meticulous research and bold ideas forever changed biology, shaping disciplines like genetics, ecology, and anthropology. Their legacy endures as a symbol of scientific curiosity and the power of evidence-based reasoning to illuminate the natural world.
▶ Click to show questions for discussion.
What were Charles Darwin’s key contributions to the theory of evolution, and how did they revolutionize biological science?
How did Darwin’s observations during his voyage on the *HMS Beagle* influence his ideas about natural selection?
What is the significance of Darwin’s book *On the Origin of Species*, and how was it received by the scientific community and the public?
How did Darwin’s theory of evolution challenge traditional religious and societal views about the origin of life?
What is the legacy of Charles Darwin’s work, and how has it shaped modern evolutionary biology and related fields?
