Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882) was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist renowned for his foundational contributions to evolutionary biology. He is best known for formulating the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection, which posits that all species of life have descended from common ancestors through a process driven by the struggle for existence, similar to artificial selection in breeding
. Darwin's interest in natural science began early and was nurtured during his studies at the University of Edinburgh and later at Christ's College, Cambridge. His pivotal experience was a nearly five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle (1831–1836), during which he made extensive observations of plants, animals, and fossils around the world, including the Galápagos Islands. These observations led him to question the fixity of species and develop his theory of natural selection
. In 1859, Darwin published On the Origin of Species , presenting compelling evidence for evolution and natural selection. This work revolutionized biology and became the unifying theory explaining the diversity of life. His ideas initially challenged prevailing religious views but eventually gained broad acceptance in the scientific community
. Darwin also wrote on human evolution and sexual selection in The Descent of Man (1871) and studied plant biology and earthworms in later works. He is considered one of the most influential figures in science and was honored with burial in Westminster Abbey
