On February 12th, people around the world will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species, in which Darwin described evolution through natural selection. Many of his keenest observations were based on the five weeks that he spent in the Galapagos Islands in 1835. What follows is a brief history of Charles Darwin.

1. Born February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England.
2. Was the geologist on board the H.M.S. Beagle, a ship commanded by Captain Robert Fitzroy, whose mission was to map the coasts of South America for the Royal Navy. The mission lasted five years and visited Tenerife, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Chile, Uruguay, and Cape Verde Island.
3. Arrived in the Galapagos Islands on September 15, 1835, and first visited San Cristobal Island. There he found many different animals and plants, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the Galapagos hawk.
4. H.M.S Beagle spent five weeks in the Galapagos Islands, also visiting Floreana, Isabela, Santiago, and Pinta Islands.
5. Over the course of the Beagle’s travels, Darwin collected 1,529 zoological specimens preserved in alcohol, and 3,907 dried specimens.
6. More than two decades after the Beagle voyages, Darwin published his seminal “On the Origins of Species”, which presented the scientific theory that species change over time (evolve) through natural selection to suit their environment.
7. The book sold 1,250 copies and was an immediate best-seller.
8. Darwin died in 1882 and is buried at Westminster Abbey.

(Sources: Galapagos Conservation Trust, San Diego Union-Tribune, Darwin Day Celebration) Submitted by South American Vacations. South American Vacations offers fully customizable eco, cultural, and adventure tours to South America including Peru & Machu Picchu Tours, Inca Trail Hikes, Amazon River Cruises, and Galapagos Islands Cruises. Call 1-888-268-9753 Toll Free from U.S. and Canada or email us at info@savacations.com if you would like help in planning your next vacation.
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