Running head: CHARLES DARWIN 1

Charles Darwin

Michael R. McKenzie

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist whose scientific theory of

evolution by natural selection became the foundation of modern evolutionary studies (Desmond,

2016). Due to the social landscape and religious views during Darwins time he painstakingly

kept his theories of evolution private for many years. Almost five years after publishing his

theory, in 1864 Darwin was awarded the coveted Copely Medal by the prestigious The Royal

Society. However, there was much debate as to whether Darwin should receive the award.

In 1831 Charles Darwin, at the age of 22 years old, set sail from England aboard the

HMS Beagle captained by Robert Fitzroy. The HMS Beagle was to circumnavigate the globe.

The expedition was privately financed by Darwins father, Robert Waring Darwin. During the

five year voyage Charles Darwin visited rainforests, mountains, islands, and more. Being the

financier of their journey Darwin was able to spend most of his time in nature, while only

spending approximately 18 months of the five years on the BMS Beagle. All the while he made

many observations. In addition he collected various skins, bones, carcasses, and live specimens.

Upon their return home, Charles Darwin had many new questions to ponder as a result of his

observations. It was in the following years he developed his theory of evolution.

In Charles Darwins observations he noticed certain animals and plants had different

characteristics based on their living environment. Upon consulting with different science experts

Charles Darwin learned that various birds he returned with from the Galapagos Islands were not

various kinds of birds at all. He had originally thought the birds were wrens, finches, and gross-

beaks (Desmond, 2016). Ornithologist John Gould identified all the birds were actually all
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ground finches, but they had adapted differently. The finches from different islands in the

Galapagos Islands had different beak sizes and shapes, and their natural living environment

differed as well. Some finches lived in the trees, while others stayed on the ground. Darwin

recognized a relationship with regard to the beak sizes, shapes, and where the birds lived. It was

the birds food source. This brought to question how there were several different distinct

variations of the birds. It is seemingly impossible to conceive that the different variations of the

finches flew to the islands they inhabited. So, based on these observations, Darwin offered the

theory of evolution and natural selection. He theorized that a species over a long period of time

can evolve by a process of natural selection. Darwin theorized that the finch variations occurred

over time due to the birds food sources and habitat with regard to survival of the fittest. For

example a bird living on one island where the food source are nuts on the ground, you will find

finches living on the ground with big thick beaks that can crack nuts. The birds with smaller

beaks, unable to crack the nuts, would not be able to survive. So, the larger thicker beak trait

would be passed on to offspring. Over time, this would result in all the finches living within the

area to have the same large thick beak characteristic. In 1859 he published his theories in the

Origin of Species.

Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution and natural selection almost 20 years

prior to publishing his work. When he first developed his theory, he feared making it public due

to public and professional persecution and retribution. His belief was viewed by the church

clergy as being heretical. For these reasons he kept it secret.

In 1862, 1863, and 1864 Charles Darwin was first nominated for The Royal Societys

Copely medal. He was nominated for his research and writings in Zoology, Geology, and
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Botanical Physiology, but not for his work of Origin of Species. In 1862 and 1863 Darwin did

not win the award. Following much debate and rhetoric Charles Darwin was awarded the

prestigious Copely Medal by The Royal Society in 1864.

It is my belief Charles Darwins theory of evolution and natural selection does not

conflict with writings within the Bible. His scientific observations and reasoning were sound.
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References

Copely Medal. (2016). Retrieved from The Royal Society: https://royalsociety.org/grants-

schemes-awards/awards/copley-medal/

Desmond, A. J. (2016). Charles Darwin. Retrieved from Encyclopaedia Britannica:

http://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Darwin/Evolution-by-natural-selection-

the-London-years-1836-42