Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a British naturalist and biologist who became world famous for his theory of the evolution of species. In his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species (1859), he introduced the concept of natural selection as the driving force behind evolution. This idea stated that organisms that are better adapted to their environment have a greater chance of surviving and passing on their properties to their descendants. Darwin based his theory on extensive observations and data that he collected during his five-year journey on the ship the HMS Beagle .

The impact of Darwin's theory

Darwin's theory of evolution marked a radical break with the prevailing views of his time, which were often based on religious interpretations of the origin of life. His theory provided a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth and laid the foundation for modern biology. Today, the theory of evolution is still a cornerstone of science, with applications in genetics, ecology and medical sciences, among others. For instance, understanding evolution helps study antibiotic resistance and disease spread.

Follow-up research and additions

After Darwin, countless scientists further refined and expanded his theory. Gregor Mendel (1822-1884), the founder of genetics, discovered the laws of inheritance, which proved to be a crucial mechanism in Darwin's theory. In the 20th century, the synthesis of Darwin's ideas with Mendel's genetics led to the “modern synthesis,” which explains evolution in terms of genetic mutations, natural selection, and population dynamics.

More recently, scientists have added new dimensions to the theory of evolution. Epigenetics research shows how environmental factors can influence gene expression without changes in the DNA itself. Insights into molecular biology and genomics have also further deepened the theory of evolution by uncovering the evolutionary relationships between species at the genetic level.

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