Darwin 200: celebrations mark the naturalist's birth

Celebrations have been held across Britain and around the world to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution by natural selection changed the way we understand life on Earth.

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury on 12 February 1809. This year also marks 150 years since the publication of his book On the Origin of Species in 1859.

The theory

Darwin argued that all living things are descended from common ancestors, and that species change over time through natural selection. Individuals with traits that help them survive and reproduce are more likely to pass those traits on to their offspring, so that populations gradually adapt to their surroundings.

The theory was deeply controversial when it was published, because it challenged the belief that each species had been created separately. Today it is the foundation of modern biology.

The voyage of the Beagle

Darwin developed his ideas after a five-year voyage around the world on HMS Beagle, which set sail in 1831. On the Galapagos Islands, he noticed that the finches and tortoises differed from island to island, a clue to how species adapt.

He spent more than 20 years developing his theory at his home, Down House in Kent, and only published it after the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace came up with similar ideas.

Celebrations

The Natural History Museum in London, which has a large statue of Darwin, is holding a major exhibition, and events are taking place in Shrewsbury and at Cambridge, where Darwin studied. The Royal Mail has issued stamps, and Darwin appears on the £10 note.

Television and radio programmes, lectures and school activities are marking the anniversary throughout the year.

A continuing debate

Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence for evolution, the theory is still rejected by some people for religious reasons, particularly in the United States. Surveys suggest that a significant minority of people in Britain also have doubts.

Scientists hope the anniversary will help improve public understanding of evolution and of how science works.

Darwin's legacy

Darwin's ideas continue to shape research in fields from genetics and medicine to ecology and conservation. Modern DNA studies have confirmed and extended his insights, showing how closely all living things are related.

Many scientists regard him as one of the most important thinkers in history.