Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was a British scientist who changed how we think about life on Earth. He was born in England in 1809. He traveled the world studying animals and plants. His theory of evolution explained how species change over time.

Early Life

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England. He loved collecting beetles and exploring nature as a boy. His father wanted him to be a doctor, but Darwin did not like medicine. He studied at Cambridge University instead.

Big Discoveries

Darwin sailed on a ship called the Beagle for five years. He visited the Galapagos Islands and saw unique animals there. He noticed that animals adapt to their surroundings. He wrote a famous book called On the Origin of Species.

Fun Facts

• Darwin waited over 20 years to publish his theory because he was nervous about what people would think.
• He played backgammon with his wife almost every night.
• Darwin studied earthworms for 39 years.

Did You Know?

On the Galapagos Islands, Darwin noticed that finches on different islands had different shaped beaks. This helped him figure out that animals change over time to survive better.