Thinking in English 371. Charles Darwin: Greatest Scientist of All Time? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Jan 19, 2026
Explore the revolutionary ideas of Charles Darwin, the naturalist whose theory of evolution transformed our understanding of life. Learn how he gathered evidence on the HMS Beagle, discovered adaptations in the Galapagos, and influenced modern biology. Delve into key concepts like natural selection and genetic confirmation of his theories. The discussion also tackles whether Darwin is the greatest scientist ever, comparing his impact to legends like Newton and Einstein, while enhancing your English vocabulary along the way!
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Beagle Voyage Sparked Darwin's Curiosity
- Charles Darwin joined HMS Beagle as the ship's naturalist at age 22 and spent five years collecting specimens worldwide.
- The voyage offered observations that later inspired his ideas about species changing over time.
Galapagos Observations Were Crucial
- On the Galapagos Islands Darwin observed finches with different beak shapes adapted to island-specific food sources.
- He also noted tortoises with shell shapes unique to each island, showing local variation.
Build Evidence Before Publishing
- Darwin waited over 20 years to publish, collecting extensive evidence before presenting his controversial theory.
- Take time to build strong evidence when proposing ideas that will face intense scrutiny.
