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Informationen zum Autor Charles Robert Darwin, (12 February 1809 - 19 April 1882) 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's early interest in nature led him to neglect his medical education at the University of Edinburgh; instead, he helped to investigate marine invertebrates. Studies at the University of Cambridge (Christ's College) encouraged his passion for natural science. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle established him as an eminent geologist whose observations and theories supported Charles Lyell's conception of gradual geological change, and publication of his journal of the voyage made him famous as a popular author.Puzzled by the geographical distribution of wildlife and fossils he collected on the voyage, Darwin began detailed investigations, and in 1838 conceived his theory of natural selection. Although he discussed his ideas with several naturalists, he needed time for extensive research and his geological work had priority. He was writing up his theory in 1858 when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay that described the same idea, prompting immediate joint publication of both of their theories. Darwin's work established evolutionary descent with modification as the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey. Klappentext From 1842 and 1844! these two essays were the first articulations of Darwin's 1859 theory of evolution. Zusammenfassung The development of Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution is a fascinating subject. A first written outline emerged in 1842! the kernel of a longer 1844 essay! but neither was published during his lifetime. Reading these! together with his 1859 Origin! permits scrutiny of selection and evolution in action. Inhaltsverzeichnis Introduction; Essay of 1842; Part I: 1. On variation under domestication, and on the principles of selection; 2. On variation in a state of nature and on the natural means of selection; 3. On variations in instincts and other mental attributes; Part II: 4. On the evidence from geology; 5. On the evidence from geology; 6. Geographical distribution; 7. Affinities and classification; 8. Unity of type in the great classes; 9. Abortive organs; Essay of 1844; Part I: 1. On the variation of of organic beings under domestication, and on the principles of selection; 2. On the variation of organic beings in a wild state, on the natural means of selection, and on the comparison of domestic races and true species; 3. On the variation of instincts and other mental attributes under domestication and in a state of nature, on the difficulties in this subject, and on analogous difficulties with respect to corporeal structures; Part II. On the Evidence Favourable and Opposed to the View that Species are Naturally Formed Races, Descended from Common Stocks: 4. On the number of intermediate forms required on the theory of common descent, and on their absence in a fossil state; 5. Gradual appearance and disappearance of species; 6. On the geographical distribution of organic beings in past and present time; 7. On the nature of the affinities and classification of organic beings; 8. Unity of type in the great classes, and morphological structure; 9. Abortive or rudimentary organs; 10. Recapitulation and conclusion; Index....
