Charles Darwin
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Charles Darwin was a renowned English naturalist, geologist, and biologist born on February 12, 1809, in Shropshire, England. He is best known for his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection, which he presented in his seminal book On the Origin of Species in 1859. This theory revolutionized biology by explaining how species adapt and evolve over time through a process of selection based on environmental pressures. Darwin's interest in natural history was encouraged during his studies at the University of Cambridge, where he befriended influential botanist John Stevens Henslow. Darwin's five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836 was pivotal in shaping his theories. Observations of diverse species, particularly on the Galapagos Islands, led him to question how new species emerge. His work not only transformed biology but also had significant philosophical and social implications. Darwin continued to write extensively on evolution and related topics, publishing works like The Descent of Man and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. He died on April 19, 1882, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in human history.
