The Voyage Discoveries And Publication Of Charles Darwin Sociology Essay Example
The Voyage Discoveries And Publication Of Charles Darwin Sociology Essay Example

The Voyage Discoveries And Publication Of Charles Darwin Sociology Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (906 words)
  • Published: August 17, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Charles Robert Darwin, a prosperous English naturalist, was born in 1809 and died at the age of 73 in 1882. His lineage included significant individuals like Josiah Wedgwood on his mother's side and Erasmus Darwin on his father's side. During his educational journey, he attended various academic institutions including the Establishment of Geology Society of London, the University of Edinburgh (where he studied medicine), and the University of Cambridge (where he received a humanities bachelor's degree). John Stevens Henslow and Adam Sedgwick were among his academic advisors.

While on his renowned Beagle voyage, Charles extensively researched animals, plants, and their evolution through natural selection and common descent. His studies greatly influenced notable figures such as Alexander von Humboldt and Joseph Dalton Hooker. In addition to receiving numerous awards like Royal Medal (1853), Wollaston Medal (1859), Copley Medal (1

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864) among others; Charles also got married to Emma Darwin in 1839.

After studying different living organisms like animals, plants, birds amongst other things for over two decades; he developed his theory of natural selection which he published in "On the Origin of Species" in 1859 based on theoretical assertions supported by empirical data. Through extensive research, Darwin hypothesized that all groups descended from a common ancestor.Using a tree analogy, Charles Darwin represented his scientific theory of natural selection resulting in the gradual growth of leaves, flowers, and fruit. Selective breeding can produce favorable traits in offspring. In 1859, Darwin presented compelling evidence for his theory and explored extinction in his publication "On the Origin of Species." By the 1870s, the anatomy of animals and birds supported gradual evolution as fact. The modern evolutionary synthesis emerged between the 1930s-50s, leadin

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to widespread consensus on evolution's mechanism which biologists consolidated and modified into the diversity-of-life theory. In 1858, Wallace sent an essay with similar ideas concerning evolutionary descent with variation to Darwin; they jointly presented their thoughts regarding trees, rivers, and animal descent. In 1871, Darwin examined sexual selection along with human gradual development and emotions of man and animals; he analyzed plants' impact on soil before his final work. Despite objections from his father, Charles was allowed to join Captain Robert More aboard the Beagle ship as a suitable gentleman naturalist after receiving an offer through a letter which began his voyage aboard it. The ocean voyage started on December 27th ,1831 after some delays and lasted for approximately five years.During his time on the Beagle, Charles Darwin spent more time on land studying geology and gathering natural history specimens. By October 2, 1836, he had gained recognition within scientific circles. In December of that year, his former professor Henslow circulated a booklet containing Darwin's geological letters to select naturalists which further enhanced his reputation. After visiting family in Shrewsbury, Darwin quickly returned to see Henslow and offered himself as a naturalist for their journey with support from potential investors through Henslow's connections.

To ensure important specimens were not lost during record-keeping processes due to zoologists having a backlog of work at that time; Darwin visited various London institutions and experts to describe his collections. On October 29th he met anatomist Richard Owen who was impressed by facilities and materials collected by Darwin leading him to uncover surprising results including complete skeletons of previously unknown species related to living animals found in southern United States. Collaborating

with researchers from Cambridge University, Darwin revised his notes on collections for publication.

On January 4th, 1837, he published a paper demonstrating how South America could be lifted and presented specimens of mammals and birds to society on the same day. Moving to London allowed him to join Lyell's circle of scientists while remaining close to author Harriet Martineau.As Charles Darwin delved deeper into transmutation, he revised his journal and secured funding for publications with the help of Henslow despite the strict deadlines of the Victorian era. However, this hard work took a toll on Darwin's health, causing stress and chest discomfort in August 1837. Doctors advised him to rest in the countryside, so he stayed with his Wedgwood relatives in Shrewsbury. Although they were more interested in hearing about his travels than taking care of him, his cousin Emma Wedgwood stepped up as a nurse and helped him recover.
While serving as secretary for the Geological Society in London, Darwin was shown a location where rocks had disappeared - potentially due to his new theory on dirt formation presented at the society on November 1st. Despite initially rejecting the position, William Whewell convinced him to accept it in March 1838. From March 28th onwards, Darwin conducted research alongside naturalists and practical experts such as farmers, neighbors, settlers and shipmates - observing his surroundings extensively while reading works like Thomas Malthus' An Essay on The Principle of Population which led him to believe that population increases proportionally every 25 years or however much it grew over time.
Although met with opposition at times, Charles Darwin's revolutionary idea of natural selection earned him immense respect within scientific circles.A

centennial event was held in Cambridge in June 1909 to celebrate Charles Darwin's achievements since presenting The Origin Of Species fifty years prior. More than 400 officials and scientists from around the world attended. From the 1930s through the 1950s, various scientists proposed alternative evolutionary mechanisms; however, natural selection was ultimately combined with population genetics to form modern evolutionary synthesis. It was widely agreed that natural selection is the main force driving evolution, providing a foundation for ongoing discussions and advancements in theory.

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