Charles Darwin The Naturalist

Charles Darwin Born Feb. 12, 1809 Joined Crew of HMS Beagle, 1831 Took a 5 year voyage around world Naturalist – studied and appreciated nature Avid collector of flora (plants) & fauna (animals) Astounded by variety of life

Darwin’s Voyage of Discovery A reconstruction of the HMS Beagle sailing off.

Darwin returned 5 years later in 1836 Darwin Left England in 1831 Darwin returned 5 years later in 1836

The Galapagos Islands Various climates Small chain of islands off the coast of Ecuador in South America Various climates Animals on the islands were unique Tortoises Iguanas Finches

The Galapagos Islands Darwin noted that the species found on one island looked different from those on nearby islands. Many of the islands’ species looked different than mainland species.

Darwin is perhaps most famous for his research on the Galapagos finches. Finches on the islands resembled a mainland finch. Different types of finches appeared on the islands where the available food was different (seeds, nuts, berries, insects, etc.). Finches had developed different types of beaks as an adaptation to their type of food gathering.

Darwin’s Observations Through his travels, Darwin saw unique adaptations in organisms throughout the world. Species were not evenly distributed Australia had kangaroos, but no rabbits S. America the only continent with Llamas

Darwin’s Observations He collected both living organisms & fossils. Fossils included: Trilobites Giant Ground Sloth of South America Some species NO longer existed. What had happened to them?

Evolution The slow, gradual change in a species over time

Evolution happens through natural selection. Also known as “survival of the fittest”