Charles Darwin: Theory of Evolution

1
Charles Darwin Theory of Evolution
By Laura Davis 2005
2
What is Evolution?

• The term evolution refers to process of change
• Charles believed that species would evolve and
  develop certain habits

3
Childhood

• Born in 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England.
• Went to boarding school when he was a boy

4
Travels

• Went to South America and Galapagos Islands to
  study plants and animals

5
Travels cont.

• wanted to prove that plants and animals could
  float their way to distant lands.

6
Experiments

• Experimented with plant seeds
• soaked them in sea water for months, then planted
  them. To other naturalists surprise they
  germinated when planted.

7
Experiments Cont.

• Examined other islands shores
• found some seed pods had floated thousands of
  miles, proved his theory true

8
Famous Debate at Oxford

• Debate about evolution took place June 30, 1860.

• Debate was between Thomas Huxley, Bishop
  Wilberforce, and Joseph Hooker.

9
Books

• 1871, Descent of Man is published
• 1874, second edition of Descent of Man is
  published
• 1876, published autobiography

10
Research

• Came up with four theories
• 1)evolution did occur
• 2)evolutionary change is gradual, occurs over
  billions of years.
• 3)primary mechanism for evolution is called
  natural selection
• 4)there is a branching process called
  specilization

11
Downe House

• This is where he lived while he was not abroad.

12
Last Years

• Feb. to April 1882, experienced chest pains
• April 19, 1882, Charles Darwin died at 400 PM

13
Did He Renounce Evolution On His Death Bed?

• Lady Elizabeth Hope claimed to have heard him
  renounce evolution.
• Daughter Henrietta objected, saying that she was
  there also, and he would never renounce evolution

14
Bibliography
Evolution UXL Encyclopedia of Science. 2nd
Edition/2002 Official Charles Darwin Website. May
2, 2005 ltwww.aboutdarwin.comgt Google. May 2, 2005
ltwww.google.comgt
15
About Me

• My name is Laura Davis. I love playing soccer,
  going to the pool, traveling, and hanging out
  with my friends.