Charles Darwin and His Contributions

Charles Darwin, a naturalist and geologist, was born in 1809 in England. He initially studied medicine but shifted to botany, eventually joining the HMS Beagle voyage in 1831. During this journey, he collected specimens and observed unique species in the Galapagos Islands, leading to his theory of natural selection. Despite initial controversy, his work 'On the Origin of Species' published in 1859, revolutionized the understanding of evolution. Darwin's contributions are celebrated globally, with numerous species named after him. He passed away in 1882, leaving a lasting legacy in science.

Where was Charles Darwin born?

• London, England

• Mount Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

• Edinburgh, Scotland

• Cambridge, England

What was the primary purpose of Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle?

• To map the coastlines of South America

• To collect plant and animal specimens

• To find new trade routes

• To study the stars and navigation

What significant observation did Darwin make in the Galapagos Islands?

• The islands were uninhabited

• Each island had a unique type of tortoise

• The islands had similar climates

• The islands were rich in minerals

How did Darwin's observations of finches contribute to his theory?

• They demonstrated that finches from different islands had different beaks

• They proved that finches were the only birds on the islands

• They indicated that finches were not native to the islands

• They showed that all birds have the same beak shape

Why did Darwin delay publishing his findings on natural selection?

• He was unsure of his conclusions

• He feared the controversy it would cause

• He wanted to gather more evidence

• He was waiting for a co-author

In what year was 'On the Origin of Species' published?

• 1879

• 1869

• 1859

• 1849

What was the public reaction to the publication of 'On the Origin of Species'?

• It was universally accepted

• It was ignored by the scientific community

• It was banned in many countries

• It sparked significant debate and controversy

How is Darwin honored in the United Kingdom?

• A university is named in his honor

• His portrait is on the 10-pound note

• A city is named after him

• A national holiday is named after him

How many species have been named after Darwin?

• Over 200

• Over 120

• Over 100

• Over 50

What was the cause of Darwin's death?

• Stroke

• Pneumonia

• Heart failure due to angina attacks

• Cancer