Charles Darwin

1809-1882

Father of evolutionary theory

Published: September 16, 2025

Have you ever wondered why giraffes have long necks or why there are so many kinds of birds? One bold idea from the 1800s helps explain it all.

This idea came from Charles Darwin, a curious 19th-century naturalist who is best known for the theory of evolution by natural selection. He lived from 1809 to 1882 and sailed around the world on the HMS Beagle, collecting plants, fossils, and notes.

On islands like the Galápagos he saw finches with different beaks and tortoises with different shells, all suited to their homes. He realized that tiny, helpful changes can add up over many generations because animals with useful traits survive and have more babies. He explained this process in his 1859 book, On the Origin of Species. That idea changed science: it showed life is a giant family tree, explained how animals adapt, and still helps us today in medicine, farming, and saving endangered species.

Darwin collected clues, made careful notes, and used evidence instead of guesses. His detective work turned into a powerful idea that still guides scientists. So when you see a cactus, a whale, or a backyard bird, remember: Darwin taught us to ask why and to look closely at nature’s clues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Darwin spend much of his later life?

He lived at Down House in Kent, England, where he did experiments, kept extensive notes and specimens, and wrote many of his later books.

Did Darwin invent the idea of evolution?

Earlier thinkers had suggested species change over time. Darwin gathered extensive evidence and explained a clear mechanism for how that change could occur, strengthening the idea.

What did Darwin say about human origins?

He argued that humans share common ancestry with other animals and examined how human traits could have evolved, which prompted major public discussion.

Did Darwin know about genes or Mendel's work?

No. The modern science of genetics developed after Darwin. Mendel's experiments were not widely known to him, so heredity was not fully understood in his time.

How did scientists and the public react at first?

Responses varied: some scientists quickly accepted his evidence-based approach, while others and many religious groups resisted. Acceptance grew as more supporting evidence accumulated.

Did Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace fight over the idea?

No. Wallace independently reached a similar explanation. Their findings were presented jointly, and Darwin acknowledged Wallace’s contribution.

Was Darwin religious?

He began with conventional religious beliefs but gradually moved toward agnosticism, troubled by suffering and questions that science raised for him.

What other subjects did Darwin study and publish on?

He wrote on variation under domestication, emotional expression in animals, plant behavior and pollination, human evolution topics, and even the role of earthworms in soil.

Did Darwin use the phrase "survival of the fittest"?

That exact phrase was coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer; Darwin later adopted it in some editions but originally explained his ideas with different wording and careful detail.