Charles Darwin's Theory Of Evolution By Natural Selection

Charles Darwin’s book on the theory of evolution by natural selection is probably the most famous book detailing the theories and facts behind the evolution of species. His trip to the Galapagos Islands and his observation of the finches are also the most well known facts about Charles Darwin and how he came up with the theory of natural selection. However, few amount of people thoroughly know about the real foundation behind his book. That Charles Darwin based his theory on the observation of the geological processes in two different locations, the process of anthropology through the three Fuegians and Malthus's law of population through Malthus’s Essay on Population. Charles Darwin wants to prove that evolution is a slow, steady process

After departing from England on December 7th, 1831 the Beagle set course for St. Jago an island off the coast of Africa. This is where Charles Darwin first proposed one of his first major argument for natural selection and the evolution of species. While exploring the island Darwin observed the geological formation of the island. Based on his observation, he concluded that the island is formed through a series of lava flowing over the sea floor and when cooled the hot lava became solid rock with shells and pieces of coral getting stuck in the rock. Over time, with the pressure of the sea pushing the rock out of the water and into the air caused the island to form cliffs with layers of lava and white bands made up of shells and pieces of coral. When Darwin compared the shells and coral to the shell and coral on the beach he concluded that they were of the same species and the lava

On the previous voyage to Terra del Fuego Captain Fitzroy brought back with him to England three Fuegians. Captain Fitzroy wanted to transform the three Fuegians from uncivilized creatures to civilized humans by British standards. For the British that means learning English, converting to Christianity and learning basic manners which includes how to talk, dress and act in certain situations. Within a three year time frame one of the Fuegian Jemmy Button “graduated from the rough canvas outfits of sailors to smart London clothes” (Browne 237). He would also do his hair in a British style and he would get upset if his clothes become stain with dirt (237). Jemmy Button is a prime example of how species adapt to their environment his original way of living would not let him survive living in London, thus he had to adapt his way of living to that of a British style of living. But Jemmy Button is the not the only Fuegian that demonstrates how species adapt to their environment. In a short amount of time and at a fast rate Fuegia Basket learns Spanish and Portuguese while the Beagle was at one of the South American ports. From watching Fuegia Basket Charles Darwin concluded that species can adjust to their environment at a very fast rate to allow a better chance of survival. However, within nine months of being returned to