WHO WAS CHARLES DARWiiN??

Answer 1

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an an English naturalist whose theory of evolution is one of the greatest contributions ever made to science. Darwin stated this theory in his book The Origin of Species (1859). In another book called The Descent of Man (1871 ) he applied his theory to the evolution of man from a primitive monkey-like animal. Both books aroused world-wide controversy. Many considered them to be offensive, atheistic, blasphemous and Darwin's caricatures were published in magazines. Although later research has modified or disproved some of Darwin's findings, scientists still accept his basic ideas.

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury and his father was a physician. As a youth Darwin was interested in all living things. He read all the books on geology and biology he could find and collected plant and animal specimens, including fossils. In 1825 he began medical studies at the University of Edinburgh but gave them up after two years. In 1828 he entered Cambridge University to study theology getting a degree in 1831. He eventually obtained a post as unpaid naturalist aboard the surveying ship H.M.S. Beagle.

In 1831 the Beagle left on a five-year voyage to South American and Australian waters. During this time Darwin observed and studied in many remote regions of the world. He collected great numbers of plant and animal specimens. From detailed notes of his observations he began to develop the theory that was to make him famous. When he returned to England Darwin began studying and investigating nature. In 1844 Darwin began to compile his greatest contribution, Origin of Species, in which he proposed his theory of natural selection. All life, he said, is a continuous struggle in which only the fittest can survive. In this period Darwin discovered that the idea of natural selection was not exclusively his. Alfred Russel Wallace ( 1823-1913 ), a young naturalist, had developed similar ideas in an essay called "On the Tendency of Varieties to Depart Independently from the Original Type." Wallace sent this paper to Darwin for an opinion. Darwin took Wallace's manuscript to a friend, Sir Charles Lyell, who decided that both Wallace's and Darwin's ideas should be presented at the same time. On July 1,1858, both papers were read at a meeting of the Linnaean Society of London.

Answer 2

Charles darwin developed the Theory Of Evolution. He looked t verious animal and devolped the idea that all creatures have a common ancestor.

Answer 3

Darwin developed the theory of evolution (to date, DNA has shown that no new species have been developed from another species) but his idea on biology have caused many to start thinking in a more logical manner about the creation which has caused great turmoil in both the religious and secular world.

There have been "thinkers" that have applied the idea of evolution to both the social and political world to show what the "natural" progression of society is like and where it is heading. to date this has been shown to be a flop.

Answer 4

British naturalist who revolutionized the study of biology with his theory of evolution based on natural selection. His most famous works include Origin of Species (1859) and The Descent of Man (1871).
go to www.answers.com for more information

Answer 5

He was big in the theory of evolution. He studies at the Galapagos Islands in South America. His most famous specimens include the Galapagos finches, birds I am sure you have heard of.

Answer 6

A scientist who penned the theory of evolution. For more info check: www.aboutdarwin.com

Answer 7

He was an author - I suggest you read his book "The Voyage of the Beagle", written in 1839. You can read it online for free.
Try: literature.org

Answer 8

some darwin pointers:
galapagos island (finches)
evolution
natural selection

read more about him. one of the most influential scientists in history.

Answer 9

Darwin was a naturalist who studied first medicine and then theology and came up with the Theory of Evolution.

Darwin was born in 1809, at Shrewsbury, Shropshire, the son of a physician with a substantial local practice. He was educated at Shrewsbury School but proved to be an uninspired student, preferring to pass his time in the collection of botanical specimens. At the age of sixteen, he was sent to Edinburgh University to study medicine but his progress in this field was equally lethargic. Most of his time was spent studying marine biology on the Firth of Forth and learning the system of categorisation of plants.

Fearing that the young Darwin would have no professional career, his father enrolled him at Christ’s College, Cambridge to read theology, in the hope that he would become a cleric. The clergy in the Nineteenth Century were known for their indulgence in the study of natural history as a part of God’s creation and as an outlet for their abundant free time. At Cambridge, Darwin became acquainted with the botanist, John Henslow, who took Darwin on nature walks and cultivated in him the appreciation of beetles, spiders and assorted insects. Darwin managed to pass his theology examinations but was in no hurry to take Holy Orders.

In 1891, Henslow recommended Darwin for an Admiralty assignment, surveying the botanical features of the coast of South America and the Pacific Islands. In 1831, Darwin set sail on the Beagle, a naval vessel refitted for storage of biological specimens. The anticipated two-year voyage turned into five years, during which time, Darwin scoured the South American Continent and the islands of the Galapagos for specimens of flora and fauna, and made meticulous notes on his discoveries. He was astounded by the variety of new material that he collected. Science had previously thought that there were several hundred species of creature in existence. Darwin personally found thousands of separate distinguishable species and conjectured that there must be thousands more in existence. Darwin also examined rock formations and found fossils of creatures, which no longer existed. The fact that some of the extinct species bore some resemblance to living creatures, set Darwin thinking on whether a species was immutable, or could new species be created and what was the mechanism whereby one species replaces another.

Upon his return home 1n 1836, Darwin became a minor celebrity. He was elected to the Geological Society and the Athenaeum, an exclusive club for the literati and men of science. In 1839, he published his Journal of Researches, detailing his exploits on the voyage of the Beagle. During these years, Darwin was considering what he called ‘the species problem’. Current thinking was that God had created each individual species, and that new species could not be created without Divine intervention. Each species was immutable and incapable of development. This, however, conflicted with Darwin’s findings. Darwin corresponded with naturalists, breeders and gardeners in the hope of finding the solution.

After extensive research, Darwin arrived at the key to the problem. He explained his theory of organic evolution in the phrase ‘survival of the fittest’, which is that a species that cannot compete for food and other necessities, dies out. Furthermore, a species is capable of development. Those members of a species which are better suited to survive, either with stronger limbs, an ability to survive in harsh conditions or some other advantage, will survive whilst its less able siblings die off. Thus, over a period of centuries, a cat develops the keen eyesight, which enables it to catch its prey, the rabbit gains the ability to run and survive and a flower develops intense colours, which attract the bees to sustain its life. It was quite simple but it flew in the face of orthodox religious doctrine, and the theory’s publication could result in prosecution for blasphemy.

In 1859, Darwin decided to publish his beliefs in The Origin of Species, which outlined the principals of ‘natural selection’. The first edition of the work sold out on the first day, and altogether, six editions were required to satisfy the public’s craving for this contemporary wisdom. Darwin’s philosophy was generally accepted in the scientific world, the only significant dissidents being the geologist, Adam Sedgwick and biologist, Richard Owen.

The main opposition came from the church, which felt threatened with a speculation, which apparently contradicted the Book of Genesis. Clerics were not best pleased with the insinuation that mankind was descended from apes and therefore not separated from nature by the creator. Darwin’s publication aroused great controversy and some public debate. At a public meeting, T H Huxley, defended Darwin in debate with the bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce, who famously asked Huxley if he were descended from apes on his father or mother’s side.

Darwin went on to publish various other works in the same vein and by the time of his death, his ideas had reached general acceptance. Darwin died at his home, Down House, in 1882. When news of his death arrived at London, Parliament granted him burial in Westminster Abbey. His house is now a museum of his life and work and open to the public. [Down House, Luxted Road, Downe, Orpington, Kent, BR6 7JT]

Answer 10

Hilarious,Lynda.I have a few good ones for you,I think it may have to be regular e-mail.