A message about Charles Darwin's childhood. Descended from Apes: a biography of scientist and biologist Charles Darwin

Charles Robert Darwin is the greatest English natural scientist, the founder of Darwinism - the doctrine of the origin of animal and plant species through natural selection. Darwin was born on February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury in the family of a doctor. For seven years Charles studied at Dr. Betler's gymnasium without much success, then in 1825 his father sent him to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. After studying in Edinburgh for two years, Darwin did not show any particular inclination towards medicine and, at the insistence of his father, in 1828 he entered the University of Cambridge, where he studied theology. In 1831, Darwin completed his studies at the university without any special distinctions and accepted the offer of professor of botany D. Henslow to take part in an expedition to South America as a naturalist.

The expedition ship Beagle set sail in 1831; Darwin returned to England only five years later in October 1836. During the expedition, they visited the coasts of Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin made a huge number of observations. Throughout the journey, he was interested in the fauna of islands located in the ocean, the settlement of new lands, and the question of methods of relocation of animals and plants. He discovered a number of evidence for the geological continuity of species, which formed the basis of his evolutionary theory. The fossil remains he found were obvious evidence of the relationship between the extinct fauna of America and its modern inhabitants.
After returning from his trip, he spent several months in Cambridge, and in 1837 he moved to London. For more than twenty years he processed the data he collected. Darwin outlined his observations on botany, zoology, geography, anthropology, paleontology and ethnography in the works: “Structure and distribution of coral reefs”, “Diary of a naturalist’s research”, “Zoology of the voyage on the Beagle ship”. From 1838 to 1841 Darwin was secretary of the Geological Society in London. In 1839 he married and in 1842 he and his wife moved to Down, where he led a secluded life as a scientist and writer. From 1837 to 1858 Darwin studied the most important issue about origin species, keeps observation diaries, where he enters his thoughts on natural selection, writes essays on the origin of species.

Finally, in 1859, Darwin published his greatest work, “The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection,” where he proved the variability of animal and plant species. Darwin proved that there is a struggle between organisms for food and habitat. And in this struggle of individuals, there are individuals of the same species with special characteristics that increase their chance of survival, and individuals who lack these characteristics gradually die out. Over generations, the entire species acquires beneficial traits, this is called natural selection. In his work Pollination of Orchids, published in 1862, Darwin proved that plants are as adaptable to their environment as animals. In 1868, his second work, “Changes in Domestic Animals and cultivated plants", where it was presented additional material on the evolution of organisms. In The Descent of Man and Sexual Selection, Darwin puts forward and argues for the hypothesis of the origin of man from an ape-like ancestor.

In 1864, Darwin was awarded the highest award - the Copley Gold Medal. In 1867, he was awarded the Prussian Order of Merit, he received many awards from scientific societies in Great Britain and many European countries, he was elected an honorary doctor and a corresponding member of many universities and Academy of Europe. Darwin died on April 19, 1882 in Down.

Today, few would deny Darwin's enormous contribution to biology. The name of this scientist is familiar to every adult. Many of you can sum up Darwin's contributions to biology in a nutshell. However, only a few will be able to talk in detail about the theory he created. After reading the article you will be able to do this.

Achievements of the ancient Greeks

Before describing Darwin's contributions to biology, let us briefly describe the achievements of other scientists on the path to the discovery of the theory of evolution.

Anaximander, ancient Greek thinker, back in the 6th century BC. e. said that man evolved from animals. His ancestors were supposedly covered in scales and lived in water. A little later, in the 4th century. BC e., Aristotle noted that nature preserves useful traits that randomly appear in animals in order to make them more viable in the future. And brothers who do not have these signs die. It is known that Aristotle created the “ladder of beings”. He arranged the organisms in order from simplest to most complex. This staircase began with stones and ended with a man.

Transformism and creationism

The Englishman M. Hale first used the term “evolution” (from the Latin “unfoldment”) in 1677. He outlined to them the unity of the historical and individual development of organisms. In biology in the 18th century, the doctrine of how things changed different kinds plants and animals. It was opposed to creationism, according to which God created the world and all species remain unchanged. Supporters of transformism include the French scientist Georges Buffort, as well as the English researcher Erasmus Darwin. The first theory of evolution was proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in his 1809 work Philosophy of Zoology. However, it was Charles Darwin who revealed its true factors. The contribution to biology of this scientist is invaluable.

The merit of Charles Darwin

He owns evolutionary theory, scientifically based. He outlined it in a work entitled “The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.” Darwin published this book in 1859. Contributions to biology can be briefly summarized as follows. Darwin believed that - hereditary variability, as well as the struggle for existence. In conditions of struggle, the inevitable result of this variability is natural selection, which represents the preferential survival of the fittest individuals of a particular species. Thanks to their participation in reproduction, beneficial hereditary changes accumulate and are summed up, as Charles Darwin noted.

His contribution to biology was recognized by scientists who continued research in this direction. The development of science subsequently confirmed that Darwin's theory is correct. Therefore, today the terms " evolutionary doctrine" and "Darwinism" are often used as synonyms.

So, we have briefly described Darwin's contributions to biology. We propose to take a closer look at the theory he created.

Observations that led Darwin to the theory of evolution

Charles Darwin first began to think about the reasons why there are certain similarities and differences between species. He did not make the contribution to biology that we have briefly described immediately. First, they had to study the achievements of their predecessors, as well as make several trips. It was they who prompted the scientist to important thoughts.

He made his main discovery in South America, in geological deposits. These are the skeletons of giant edentates, very similar to modern sloths and armadillos. In addition, Darwin was greatly impressed by the study of animal species living on the island. The scientist discovered on these volcanic islands of recent origin close species of finches that are similar to the mainland, but have adapted to various sources nutrition - flower nectar, insects, hard seeds. Charles Darwin concluded that these birds came to the island from the mainland. And the changes that have occurred to them are explained by adaptation to new conditions of existence.

Charles Darwin raised the question that environmental conditions play a role in speciation. The scientist observed a similar picture off the coast of Africa. Living animals, despite a certain similarity with the species inhabiting the mainland, still differ from them in very significant ways.

Darwin could not explain the creation of species and the peculiarities of the development of the rodent tuco-tuco, described by him. These rodents live underground, in burrows. They give birth to sighted cubs, which subsequently become blind. All these and many other facts significantly shook the scientist’s faith in the creation of species. Darwin, returning to England, set himself a large-scale task. He decided to solve the question of the origin of species.

Major works

Darwin's contributions to the development of biology are presented in several of his works. In 1859, in his work, he summarized the empirical material of contemporary breeding practice and biology. In addition, he used the results of his observations made during his travels. His circumnavigation of the world shed light on various species.

Charles Darwin supplemented the main work "The Origin of Species..." with factual materials in his next book, published in 1868. It is known as "Change in Domestic Animals and Cultivated Plants." In another work written in 1871, the scientist hypothesized that humans descend from an ape-like ancestor. Today, many agree with the assumption made by Charles Darwin. His contributions to biology allowed him to become a great authority in the scientific world. Many people even forget that the origin of man from the ape is just a hypothesis, which, although very probable, is still not fully proven.

The property of heredity and its role in evolution

Let us note that Darwin’s theory is based on the property of heredity, that is, the ability of organisms to repeat types of metabolism and, in general, individual development over a series of generations. Together with variability, heredity ensures the diversity and constancy of life forms. It is the basis of the evolution of the entire organic world.

Struggle for existence

“The struggle for existence” is a concept that is one of the main ones in the theory of evolution. Charles used it to refer to the relationships that exist between organisms. In addition, Darwin used it to describe the relationships between abiotic conditions and organisms. Abiotic conditions lead to the survival of the fittest individuals and the death of the less fit.

Two forms of variability

As for variability, Darwin identified two main forms. The first of them is a certain variability. This is the ability of all individuals of a particular species under certain environmental conditions to react in the same way to given conditions (soil, climate). The second form is indefinite variability. Its character does not correspond to the observed changes external conditions. in modern terminology is called a mutation.

Mutation

The mutation, unlike the first form, is hereditary. According to Darwin, the minor changes observed in the first are amplified in subsequent generations. The scientist emphasized that in evolution the decisive role belongs to uncertain variability. It is usually associated with harmful or neutral mutations, but there are also some that are called promising.

Mechanism of evolution

According to Darwin, the inevitable result of hereditary variability and the struggle for existence is the survival and reproduction of new organisms that are most adapted to living in their respective environment. And in the course of evolution, the death of the unadapted occurs, that is, natural selection. Its mechanism operates in nature in a similar way to breeders, that is, vague and insignificant individual differences are formed, from which they are then formed necessary equipment in organisms, as well as differences between species.

Charles Darwin spoke and wrote about all this and much more. The contributions to biology briefly described go beyond what we have covered. However, in general outline his main achievements were described. Now you can talk in detail about Darwin's contributions to biology.

More than two centuries have already passed since the birth of the famous scientist Charles Darwin, and debates about the veracity and fiction of his theories still do not cease. However, already during his lifetime he was called the greatest genius humanity.

Difficult paths of life and scientific works

The future naturalist was born on February 12, 1809. He studied at prestigious universities, where he gained knowledge in the field of biology, geology and other sciences. During my studies I developed a taste for scientific research and experiments. From a young age, Charles Darwin was interested in the evolutionary ideas of other thinkers.

played a significant role in his fate trip around the world, immediately upon returning from which the scientist began to think about the origin of species. He worked on his own theory for two decades, publishing articles and books on this topic. Unique idea evolution had great success and support among other scientists, although there were also critics.

He lived as a naturalist and traveler without excesses and was married to his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, and had a large family. In total, the spouses, according to the official biography, there were 10 children three of whom died as infants. Darwin himself feared that the cause of sickness in offspring was inbreeding - this fact is reflected in many of his scientific works.

Being absolutely indifferent to honors and awards, Darwin even sometimes he forgot which academy he belonged to. But this did not stop him from living until gray hair in a clear and firm mind. The naturalist died on April 19, 1882.

Famous theories of Darwin

Evolution theory

Among all Darwin's discoveries, one of the most important and significant in human history is evolutionary theory. Using its principles and basic provisions, the scientist spoke about the diversity of all living things, how creatures adapt to the environment and their struggle for existence. Thus, professor first introduced the concept of “natural selection”, saying that in conditions of struggle the strongest survive, i.e. adapted individuals. The main contribution on this topic - the evolutionary factors of the organic world - is presented in the work “The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.”

Monkey man

The well-known thesis about the emergence of peoples from quadrupeds was also given to everyone by Darwin, this is exactly what he talks about in his book “The Descent of Man and Sexual Selection” and thus substantiates the hypothesis of the connection between intelligent beings and ape-like ancestors.

His biological theory of human origin examines the origin and pedigree of intelligent beings, proves their similarity to mammals, and compares the abilities of humans and animals. In his work, the author also emphasizes the differences between races, coming to the conclusion that they are changeable and insignificant, and therefore have no weight biological significance. The researcher proves the relationship between animals and humans based on the emotional expression of feelings.

Research in paleontology, zoology and botany

Being a traveler, Darwin did not stop scientific research. He discovered the missing edentates - huge animals similar to armadillos and sloths. I found Toxodon - a huge ungulate, Macrauchenia - a gigantic creature similar to a camel. Among the scientist’s zoological discoveries is a small-sized ostrich, which was even named “Darwin’s rhea.” A group of Galapagos finches is also named in his honor. The researcher systematically described the existence of barnacles - both extinct and modern species.

Darwin studied cross-pollination of flowers in detail, developed the concept of climbing ability as an adaptive means of plants, and published a work on the role of earthworms in soil formation.

Curious facts or interesting things about Darwin

1. Little Charles, interested in the world around him since childhood, had to follow in his father’s footsteps and study medicine or devote work activity church, becoming a priest. But it didn’t work out with either one or the other.
2. The naturalist did not go on a trip around the world as a nature lover: he was invited simply to pass the time pleasantly with gentlemanly conversations. By the way, the “around the world” trip, planned for a couple of years, dragged on for as much as five.
3. The scientist approached the issue of marriage with real scientific rationality, describing all the “pros” and “cons” of a possible married life with his cousin. He got married only because the advantages were quantitatively greater.
4. One of the researcher’s most famous works, “The Origin of Species,” was originally titled “The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life.”
5. An avid nature lover I really loved... eating animals, especially rare ones. During his long swim on the ship, the scientist ate pumas and pumas, iguanas and even ostriches. But Darwin’s favorite delicacy was agouti rodents - he more than once spoke about their special taste.
6. Until the end of his days, the scientist remained an agnostic and never renounced his views.

(1809 - 1882)

Charles Robert Darwin born February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. Darwin was born on the same day as Abraham Lincoln. He was the fifth child and second son of Robert Waring Darwin and Susan Wedgwood. Charles was a British naturalist who became famous for his theory of human evolution - “Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution” and the theory of natural selection. Like some other scientists, he believed that life on earth evolved (and continues to evolve) over millions of years from several common ancestors.

In 1831, Darwin joins 26-year-old Captain Robert Fitzroy to circumnavigate the world on the HMS Beagle. This ship was setting off on a scientific expedition. In the Galapagos Islands Pacific Ocean, Charles noticed many differences between plants and animals of the same type in South America. The expedition visited many places around the world, where Darwin studied plants and animals wherever he went, collecting specimens for further research.

Upon his return to London in 1836, Charles Darwin undertook a thorough examination of his notes and specimens. This research resulted in several interrelated theories:

• evolution actually happened;
• evolutionary changes were gradual, requiring several thousand to millions of years;
• The main mechanism of evolution is a process called natural selection
• millions of species of life today arose from one initial life form through a branching process called speciation.

Evolution theoryCharlesDarwin believes that changes within a species occur randomly, and that the survival or extinction of each organism is determined by the organism's ability to adapt to its environment. Darwin outlined these theories in his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Survival of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life (1859) or, for short, On the Origin of Species. After the publication of The Origin of Species, Darwin continued to write works on botany, geology, and zoology until his death in 1882. Charles Robert Darwin is buried in Westminster Abbey.
Darwin's research had a huge impact on religion. Many people were categorically against the theory of evolution because it conflicted with their religious beliefs. Darwin avoided talking about the theological and sociological aspects of his work, but other writers used his theories to support theirs. own theories about society. Charles Darwin was a reserved, considerate, hard-working scientist who cared about the feelings and emotions of not only his family, but also his friends and even colleagues.

There is speculation that Darwin abandoned his theory of evolution on his deathbed. Shortly after his death, evangelist Lady Elizabeth Hope claims she visited Charles Darwin just before his death and witnessed him recant his theory. Her story was published in a Boston newspaper and then spread around the world. Lady Hope's story was refuted by Darwin's daughter, Henrietta, who stated: "I was with my father before he died... He did not give up any of his scientific views, then or before."

Charles Robert Darwin was born in the winter of 1809 in England. His parents had six children. The father of the family worked as a doctor. The family was wealthy. One of Charles's grandfathers was a scientist and the other was an artist. The boy liked history. Another hobby was collecting. At the age of eight he entered school. Soon Charles's mother died. The next year, the father sent the boy and his older brother to a boarding school. The child didn't like it there. He began collecting insects and minerals. He liked hunting and chemistry.

Then the young man entered the university to study medicine. But she did not seem interesting to him, and he transferred to the Faculty of Natural History. Charles worked with plants in the museum.

Then the young researcher studied to become a priest. He devoted a lot of time to horseback riding and hunting. A relative of Charles introduced him to insect collectors. The researcher himself began collecting beetles. Best friend young man becomes a professor of botany. Charles did well in his exams.

The researcher read and traveled a lot. When his studies at the university ended, the young man went on an expedition. There he began to doubt the existence of God. He recorded his observations and collected them. As a result, he made important discoveries.

The researcher was married. His chosen one was cousin Charles. She played the piano well and was interested in archery. The couple had ten children. Some of them were in poor health. The scientist concluded that the reason the children were sick was that he and his wife were relatives. When their daughter died, the scientist completely stopped believing in God. Charles's wife was involved in charity work. She helped people in cash and food. Many of the couple's children have succeeded in life.

The researcher received many awards for his work.

The researcher died in the spring of 1882. He made a huge contribution to the development of science. Many geographical features, as well as animals, insects and plants, were named after him.

Read the biography of Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, in Great Britain, Shropshire, Shrewsbury, on his father's estate. His father was a wealthy doctor and financier. I gained initial knowledge in a simple local school. As a child, his attention was attracted natural Science and collecting. 1818, Charles continues his studies in Shrewsbury. Almost everything free time hunts, collects butterflies and natural minerals. Remained indifferent to humanities, he had trouble studying them.

He continued his studies at the University of Edinburgh (1825). He began studying medicine and later became interested in taxidermy and natural history. During this period he took part in a scientific trip to South America. As an assistant, takes part in the study of body structure and life cycle marine invertebrates, with Robert Grant. Happens in Robert Jameson's natural history (geology) classes. He studied plants and worked at the university museum.

Then, on the advice of his father, he entered Cambridge University (1828), with the goal of trying on the rank of priest. English Church. At the university, Charles rarely attends lectures and spends a lot of time riding and hunting. I became close to people who are interested in insects. Collects beetles. Makes friends with John Grenslow, professor of botany. Interested in the works of Paley, von Humboldt and Herschel.

In 1861, he completed his studies at the university and set out on a trip around the world on the Beagle ship. During the journey, he collects a large collection of animals, examines and observes the geology of the areas along the route. Finds the petrified remains of dead animals. Throughout the journey, Charles carefully studied environment, recorded observations and conclusions, and sent some of the information home. He returned from his trip in 1836.

In 1838 he received the post of secretary of the London Society of Geologists. A year later he got married and the first scientific book was published, written on the basis of notes taken during a scientific expedition. He and his wife went to live in the city of Down, in Kent (1842). The couple lived here all their lives and devoted time to scientific activities.

Charles's work on the origin of species, first published in 1842, was a short note. All work on this topic took biologist Charles more than 10 years. In 1858, a work on the theory of the origin of species was presented to scientists in full. A year later, a work was published called “The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” as a supplement to previous work. In addition to these works, Charles Darwin published many more significant works on heredity, selection, the formation of coral reefs and much more.

Most of the works were successful and recognized scientific world that time. The main work of the scientist on natural selection, found positive reviews only in the 50s of the 20th century.

The scientist died in the city of Down, where he lived most of his life, on April 19, 1882. His remains rest in Westminster Abbey.

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