Evolution Charles Darwin was an English naturalist. He went around the world in the early 1800’s looking at different animals and plants and at fossils. He spent time in the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off of the coast of Ecuador.

More Darwin Darwin noticed that some of the animals and plants seemed to be similar to the fossils he found, but they had changed. He called this change over time evolution. Here’s how Darwin explained evolution:

Overproduction of Offspring Darwin noticed that more animal babies were born than could survive. He saw this in people, birds, lizards, pretty much all animals. He also noticed that not all seeds of plants grew into adult plants. Darwin realized that organisms produce more offspring knowing that some will not make it to adulthood.

Variation in a Population Upon close observation, Darwin realized that not all animals/plants of the same species are identical. Look at humans, for example. As a result, he knew that each animal or plant was a little bit different.

Struggle to Survive Darwin also noticed that among those animals/plants that made it to adulthood, not all of them lived. There was intense competition for food, territory, shelter, and mates. He noticed that animals/plants that had beneficial characteristics survived. He called these characteristics adaptations.

Successful Reproduction So how did baby animals/plants get born? Darwin believed that the best animals/plants in a certain area were the ones that survived and reproduced. The weaker organisms died off. He called this survival of the fittest.