1

Charles Darwin

Daniel Kim

Department of Science, Bronte College

SBI3U: Biology

Priyanka Sharma

January 19, 2024

2

Table of Contents
Introduction:...........................................................................................................................3
Brief Biography of Charles Darwin:..........................................................................................3
Why did I choose this scientist:........................................................................................................5
Charles Darwin’s Accomplishment in the Field of Biology:.......................................................6
Cultural/Societal impact of this person’s work:........................................................................7
Social and Cultural Impact:...............................................................................................................7
Impact on Society:...........................................................................................................................7
Impact on Environment:...................................................................................................................8
Canadian or North American Contribution:......................................................................................8
Indigenous connection/World Connection:......................................................................................9
Careers related to the Scientist:...............................................................................................9
Connections to Course Content:.............................................................................................10
Fun Facts:..............................................................................................................................10
Conclusion:............................................................................................................................11
Works Cited...........................................................................................................................12

Introduction:
3

Biology is the scientific study of life and living things. It covers a wide range of topics,
from complex ecosystems that form our planet to molecular interactions within individual cells.
It aims to comprehend the underlying ideas guiding the composition, development, evolution,
and interactions of living things. In order to understand the complex structures and relationships
that supports biological systems, biologists investigate the diversity of life which range from
simple bacteria to complicated multicellular organisms. Biology advances medical, agricultural,
and environmental science. In addition to increasing our understanding of the natural world
through its many subcategories, including genetics, ecology, physiology, and microbiology.
Biology plays a crucial role in forming our understanding of the living world and addressing
issues that we could never done before.

Brief Biography of Charles Darwin:

(Charles Darwin, 2019)

Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, on February 12, 1809, died April 19, 1882.
British naturalist Charles Darwin is regarded as a towering figure in the history of biology. He is
well known in the field of evolutionary biology for his innovative research (Desmond, 2024).
Darwin challenged conventional wisdom regarding the origin and diversity of species in his most
well-known work, "On the Origin of Species," which was published in 1859 and introduced his
4

groundbreaking theory of natural selection. After completing his medical studies at the
University of Edinburgh, he transferred to Cambridge University to pursue his studies in natural
history and theology. The information that supported Darwin's theories came from his extensive
travels, especially aboard HMS Beagle (McNamara, 2021).

(The Charles Darwin Voyage Map, 2022)

He received the Wollaston Medal and the Copley Medal from the Royal Society in
recognition of his widely recognized contributions. Darwin's contributions have had a lasting
influence that goes well beyond his lifetime and helped to establish modern biology. His theory
of evolution is still a milestone of scientific knowledge and has had an influence on a wide range
of fields that are studied, from paleontology to genetics. (McNamara, 2021).
5

(“On The Origin Of Species”, 2020)

Why did I choose this scientist:

I chose Charles Darwin because he is one of the scientists to discover and help with the
understanding of evolution. To me there are many different theories to evolution, because of
my religion I believe that God has created this world and there is the modern-day science that
states that evolution happened by the theory of “the Survival of the Fittest”. To me it is a
6

fascinating topic to study upon and there are many different points of views that this can be
viewed from. I believe that without Charles Darwin, we would not have had a better
understanding at the concept of evolution and there would be no clear explanation to how
different species and living organisms have adapted to the changing environment and survived
this long. The Big Bang Theory is also another theory that is from science that talks about the
origin of human beings and all living organisms. We can also take from that theory that all
humans ascended from the same origin, which means the different skin colours that we see in
humans is due the adaptation to the changing environments to where they migrated to. The
different cultures are from the different practices and traditions that the groups of people have
adapted and created over the span of time. We may say that oh they have darker skin than me,
they must be from a different origin. But the science shows that we all come from the same
ancestors and that even though our skin colour may be different, but we are all the same
human beings. The Big Bang Theory is widespread across the global education system and has a
part in teaching students how the form of life has originated on Earth.

Charles Darwin’s Accomplishment in the Field of Biology:

Charles Darwin's development of the theory of natural selection, which is detailed in his
influential work "On the Origin of Species," which was published in 1859, is one of his most
outstanding contributions to the field of biology (Ayala, 2007). This theory fundamentally
changed our understanding of the mechanisms defining the evolution process. According to
Darwin's theory of natural selection, members of a population who possess advantageous traits
that improve their chances of surviving and procreating are more likely to pass those traits off to
their offspring (Ayala, 2007). This process causes a population to gradually accumulate
advantageous traits that help it adapt to its surroundings (Historian, 2023). On the other hand,
less advantageous traits make an individual less likely to survive and procreate, which causes the
7

characteristics of a population to gradually change over generations. Darwin's work continues to

be the ground foundation in the study of evolution, providing insights into the mechanisms that
have shaped the enormous diversity of life (Historian, 2023). His contributions are still being
used to inform research in areas like ecological genetics, comparative genomics, and molecular
evolution. Darwin's legacy lives on as a vital part of our investigation into the origins and
adaptations of life forms, connecting the concepts of natural selection to the larger field of
evolutionary biology (Historian, 2023).

(Natural Selection in action, 2020)

Cultural/Societal impact of this person’s work:

The contributions of Charles Darwin, in particular his theory of evolution by natural

selection, have had a significant and lasting impact on society, culture, medicine, and our
comprehension of life. Long-held religious beliefs regarding the origins of life were called into
question by the acceptance of evolutionary theory, which caused a shift in societal perspectives
and a reevaluation of humanity's place in the natural world. Darwin's theories generated
arguments and conversations that still have an impact on moral, ethical, and philosophical issues.
For example, in 1859 his book was banned from some of the libraries where he had been taught
8

(Book and Periodical Council, 2021). Even many years later in the early 1900s, some places like
Tennessee banned the topic of evolution in schools (Pew Research Center, 2009). It continues to
be an issue today, but evolution has become more popular.

(The burning of a book, 2021)

Darwin, like other important historical figures such as Martin Luther, Galileo, and John
Locke, had an important impact on science (Connolly, 2018). His theory of evolution reshaped
traditional thinking and raised doubt on the belief that humans were created by God. Regardless
of early concerns, Darwin's theories helped differentiate between science and religion which
opened up the path to greater comprehension of our ancestry (Connolly, 2018). The work he
contributed to biology not only promoted the idea that humans descended from apes millions of
years ago but also had an effect on subjects such as genetics. At this point since they have been
widely accepted, Darwin's theories have had an important effect on the fields of biology,
geology, anthropology, psychology, and theology (Connolly, 2018). They have also changed
how we view ourselves as individuals and developed scientific knowledge. The study of Charles
Darwin’s theory has an impact on the environment by altering the way that the future
populations can be set up to change (MacKenzie & Foyer, 2023). In the survival of the fittest, the
more dominant traits are the ones that are passed on generation to generation, which means if
humans alter an environment, then it will force the living organisms to adapt to survive
(MacKenzie & Foyer, 2023).

Other parts of Darwin's research have helped us maintain the environment. His note that
9

planting different species together can help them grow is being used now to help the climate
(MacKenzie & Foyer, 2023). Growing forests is one of the best ways to help take up carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere. Because of the process of photosynthesis, growing forests is a very
effective way of eliminating carbon dioxide from the earth's atmosphere. During photosynthesis,
trees take in carbon dioxide then convert it into glucose and oxygen, storing carbon dioxide in
their biomass. Huge areas of vegetation and a variety of trees make up forests, which
additionally serve as essential carbon sinks. They serve a crucial role in reducing climate change
as they take in more carbon dioxide than they release (MacKenzie & Foyer, 2023).

(A green forest with many trees, 2023)

Despite being British, Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was influential throughout
the world, especially in North America and Canada. Evolutionary principles have been widely
accepted and incorporated into scientific education and thought processes in North America. In
North American and Canadian scientific communities, Darwin's theories have shaped research
agendas and curricula related to biodiversity, ecology, and genetics.

Darwin's work, which is based on the theory of natural selection, is consistent with some
Indigenous views about the unity of all living things. Although creation stories and worldviews
among Indigenous cultures vary, Darwin's focus on adaptation and the dynamic relationship
between organisms and their environment resonates with many Indigenous traditions' holistic
10

understanding of nature. Darwin's theories have also impacted educational and cultural settings
globally, promoting a shared understanding of the processes of evolution that have shaped life on
Earth. Numerous forms of art, literature, and popular culture are deeply impacted by themes
related to evolution.

Careers related to the Scientist:

Numerous professions in the fields of natural history and evolutionary science have been
greatly impacted by Charles Darwin's contributions to biology. Today's experts in fields like
genetics, paleontology, and evolutionary biology directly develop upon Darwin's essential
research. Evolutionary biologists study the patterns and mechanisms of evolution, applying
Darwinian principles in order to understand the diversity of life (Lotzof, 2023). By analyzing the
fossil record, paleontologists are able to piece together a species' millions of years of evolution.
In order to understand the changes in genetics that indicate biodiversity, geneticists examine the
biological foundations of evolution through DNA analysis. Teaching the theories of Darwin to
children and teens is another common task for professionals in the fields of science education
and communication (Lotzof, 2023).

(MRI Technician reading a scan, 2023)

Connections to Course Content:

In Unit 5, we studied evolution with a specific focus on Charles Darwin’s theory of

evolution. In lesson 5.2, we watched a video called “Galapagos Finch Evolution,” which focused
11

on Darwin’s theory of evolution, concept “Survival of the Fittest”. In this case study, we learned
that variations in physical features of the birds were determined by their geographic location on
the island. This was determined by the dominant traits that were displayed in the process of
adapting to the changing environment to survive. The video investigates forty years of evolution
research on Galápagos finches, which has shed light on the development and diversification of
species. Rosemary and Peter Grant, both evolutionary biologists who studied changes in physical
characteristics directly related to survival in the famous Galápagos finches for forty years. In
addition, they observed the behavioural traits that keep various species from sexual reproduction.
Their ground breaking investigations provided real-time documentation of the process of natural
selection. They helped provide an understanding of how 13 different finch species evolved from
a single ancestral population which left the mainland between 2 and 3 million years ago.

(Galapagos Finches, 2014)

Fun Facts:

Aside from his enormous contributions to evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin had a
fascinating life that involved a number of interesting discoveries (Sarkar, 2023). Darwin married
Emma Wedgwood, his first cousin, in 1839. Darwin found himself in a supportive environment
12

for his investigations because of his large family life, which consisted of ten children (Klein,
2014). It's interesting to note that Darwin conducted a great deal of experiments at his home lab,
looking into numerous aspects of plant growth and movement (Sarkar, 2023). He also
experienced a variety of unresolved health problems throughout his life, ranging from tiredness
to stomach problems. Darwin continued in his efforts to further research in spite of these
obstacles (Klein, 2014).

(Charles Darwin Family Tree, 2010)

Conclusion:

Charles Darwin has had a profoundly revolutionary impact on biology, culture, and
society as a whole. His theory of evolution by natural selection, which forms the basis of
contemporary biology, has revolutionized scientific thought and caused a reassessment of
humanity's place in the natural world. Darwin's theories have a global impact on ethics, morality,
and artistic expression by seeping into cultural narratives. Darwin's contributions are still valued
by scientists in North America and Canada, where they serve as a guide for biodiversity,
ecology, and genetics research and instruction. His concepts, which are timeless in their
applicability, have even been linked to Indigenous understandings of the interdependence of all
living things. Darwin's legacy lives on as a link between scientific knowledge and traditional
13

wisdom.

Works Cited
14

Sarkar, D. (2023, February 15). 7 things you may not know about Charles Darwin. Discover
Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/7-things-you-may-not-know-
about-charles-darwin

Klein, C. (2014, February 14). 10 things you may not know about Charles Darwin. History.com.
https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-charles-darwin

Lotzof, K. (2023, March 12). Charles Darwin: History’s most famous biologist. Natural History
Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/charles-darwin-most-famous-biologist.html

Desmond, A. J. (2024, January 3). Charles Darwin. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Darwin

McNamara, R. (2021, July 29). Biography of Charles Darwin, originator of the theory of
evolution. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/who-is-charles-darwin-1224477

Ayala, F. J. (2007, May 17). Darwin’s greatest discovery: Design without designer | PNAS.
PNAS. https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0701072104

Historian, T. (2023, June 30). 10 Charles Darwin accomplishments. Have Fun With History.
https://www.havefunwithhistory.com/charles-darwin-accomplishments/

Connolly, G. (2018, October 3). Darwin’s long lasting impact – ST112 a fall 2018 - colby
college. ST112 A FALL 2018. https://web.colby.edu/st112a-fall18/2018/10/03/darwins-
impact/

MacKenzie, R., & Foyer , C. (2023, August 16). A 150-year-old note from Charles Darwin is
inspiring a change in the way forests are planted. The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/a-150-year-old-note-from-charles-darwin-is-inspiring-a-
change-in-the-way-forests-are-planted-170909#:~:text=Darwin%20also%20famously
%20described%20evolution,reproducing%2C%20organisms%2C%20like%20trees.

Pew Research Center. (2009, February 4). Overview: The conflict between religion and
evolution. Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project.
15

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2009/02/04/overview-the-conflict-between-religion-
and-evolution/

Book and Periodical Council. (2021, February 3). Bannings and burnings in history. Freedom to
Read. https://www.freedomtoread.ca/resources/bannings-and-burnings-in-history/
#:~:text=1859%3A%20Charles%20Darwin’s%20Origin%20of,remained%20in%20force
%20until%201967