Photograph of Charles Darwin seated

Charles Darwin in later life. Leonard Darwin. Public domain or freely licensed; see source record.

Historical person · 19th Century

Charles Darwin

1809–1882

Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

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What to know about Charles Darwin

Direct answers to common questions about Charles Darwin, followed by the full sourced biography.

Who was Charles Darwin?

Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle expanded his observations of species and geology. After decades of research he published On the Origin of Species in 1859, explaining adaptation through natural selection. His work transformed biology, while later social and political uses of evolutionary language often departed from his.

What is Charles Darwin known for?

Charles Darwin is particularly known for Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection., Science and Technology.

When did Charles Darwin live?

Charles Darwin lived 1809–1882. This profile places that life within 19th Century and Science and Technology.

Why is Charles Darwin historically significant?

Charles Darwin's career belongs within Science and Technology. Scientific work is collaborative and institutional even when credit gathers around a famous individual. Funding, instruments, technicians and the social uses of knowledge belong inside the biography. The central subjects here are the events behind this summary: Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural.

Biography

Charles Darwin: life and legacy

Overview

Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle expanded his observations of species and geology. After decades of research he published On the Origin of Species in 1859, explaining adaptation through natural selection. His work transformed biology, while later social and political uses of evolutionary language often departed from his scientific argument.

Life and career

Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle expanded his observations of species and geology. After decades of research he published On the Origin of Species in 1859, explaining adaptation through natural selection. His work transformed biology, while later social and political uses of evolutionary language often departed from his scientific argument.

Key events

1809: Born. Charles Darwin was born in 1809. 19th Century: Historical career. Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

1882: Died. Charles Darwin died in 1882.

Historical context

Charles Darwin's career belongs within Science and Technology. Scientific work is collaborative and institutional even when credit gathers around a famous individual. Funding, instruments, technicians and the social uses of knowledge belong inside the biography. The central subjects here are the events behind this summary: Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Key moments

Timeline

  1. Born

    Charles Darwin was born in 1809.

  2. Historical career

    Naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

  3. Died

    Charles Darwin died in 1882.

Connections

Related people

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Evidence

Sources and further reading

  1. Charles Darwin reference searchEncyclopaedia Britannica
  2. Science and Technology research guidesThe National Archives
  3. Biographical records and portraitsNational Portrait Gallery
  4. Historical people and primary sourcesLibrary of Congress
  5. Historical figuresEncyclopaedia Britannica

Biographical claims are summarised from the sources above. Interpretation and disputed reputations are identified in the text rather than presented as settled fact.