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EQ: What 3 observations did Charles Darwin make that helped form the Theory of Evolution?
Charles Darwin
• Developed the theory of biological evolution by means of natural selection which explains how modern
organisms evolved (changed) from common ancestors over long periods of time
• Reminder: A theory is a broad explanation for how things in the natural world consistently “work.”
They’re based on thousands of experiments, allow scientists to make predictions, and apply in all
situations.
• Darwin grew up in England in the 1800’s. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life (doctor, priest,
??) when the opportunity to sail around the world on the H.M.S. Beagle to collect plant and animal
specimens and document his findings arose.
• It was never his intent to come up with a controversial theory. But he couldn’t ignore the consistent
evidence he was observing.
• As he traveled, he noticed three things about biological diversity: