According to paragraph 1, where did Charles Darwin begin to observe and formulate the basis for his Theory of Evolution?
Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is known as one of the most important and
controversial scientific theories ever published. Darwin was an English scientist in the
19th century best known for his book “On the Origin of Species.” In his book,
Darwin postulated different species shared characteristics of common ancestors, that
they branched off from common ancestors as they evolved, and that new traits and
characteristics were a result of natural selection. The theory is based on the
assumptions that life developed from non-life and progressed and evolved in an
indirect manner. Therefore, the Theory of Evolution, while controversial, has shaped
and influenced the modern scientific world's thinking on the development of life itself.
Darwin was born February 12, 1809 in England. Although initially entering into
medicine, Darwin chose to pursue his interest in natural science and embarked on a
five-year journey aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, a British sloop belonging to the Royal
Navy. Because of his experience aboard the Beagle, he laid the foundation for his
Theory of Evolution while also establishing himself within the scientific community.
Specifically, Darwin's keen observation of the fossils and wildlife he saw during his time
on the Beagle served as the basis for the cornerstone of his theory: natural selection.