Charles Darwin was an English naturalist and biologist who is best known for his theory of evolution and the process of natural selection. He was born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England, to a wealthy family. His father was a physician and his mother was from a family of wealthy industrialists.

Darwin was educated at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge, where he studied natural history and geology. After completing his studies, he joined the crew of the HMS Beagle, a British naval vessel that was conducting a survey of the coast of South America.

During his five-year voyage on the Beagle, Darwin collected specimens of plants and animals and made detailed observations of the natural world. He also visited the Galapagos Islands, where he observed the unique characteristics of the finches and other species that would later inspire his theory of evolution.

After returning to England, Darwin spent many years studying and analyzing his observations and specimens. In 1859, he published his landmark book, “On the Origin of Species,” which presented his theory of evolution and natural selection.

Darwin’s theory was controversial at the time, as it challenged the prevailing belief in the biblical account of creation. However, it eventually became widely accepted and revolutionized the field of biology.

In addition to his work on evolution, Darwin also made significant contributions to the study of geology, botany, and zoology. He died on April 19, 1882, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, a rare honor for a scientist.