He was writing up his theory in 1858 when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay that described the same idea, prompting immediate joint submission of both their theories to the Linnean Society of London. Although he discussed his ideas with several naturalists, he needed time for extensive research and his geological work had priority. Puzzled by the geographical distribution of wildlife and fossils he collected on the voyage, Darwin began detailed investigations and, in 1838, devised his theory of natural selection. Publication of his journal of the voyage made Darwin famous as a popular author. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836 established Darwin as an eminent geologist whose observations and theories supported Charles Lyell's concept of gradual geological change. His studies at the University of Cambridge's Christ's College from 1828 to 1831 encouraged his passion for natural science. ĭarwin's early interest in nature led him to neglect his medical education at the University of Edinburgh instead, he helped to investigate marine invertebrates. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history and was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. Charles Robert Darwin FRS FRGS FLS FZS JP ( / ˈ d ɑːr w ɪ n/ DAR-win 12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology.
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