Charles Darwin, born on 12
February 1809, was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known
for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all
species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely
accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science. In a joint
publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory
that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called
natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to
the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been
described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was
honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.
