Charles Robert Darwin
生物进化论奠基人——查尔斯·罗伯特·达尔文

Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist and geologist, best known for his contributions to evolutionary theory. He established that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and 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 published his theory of evolution with compelling evidence in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species , overcoming scientific rejection of earlier concepts of transmutation of species. By the 1870s the scientific community and much of the general public had accepted evolution as a fact.
查尔斯·罗伯特·达尔文(1809—1882)，英国博物学家和地质学家，提出了著名的“进化论”。达尔文提出科学证据，证明所有生物物种是由少数共同祖先经过长时间的自然选择过程进化而成的，其生存竞争作用近似于选择育种中的人工选择。1859年达尔文出版《物种起源》一书，书中引用大量有说服力的证据阐释了他的进化理论，抵制了早期科学界对物种演化理念的排斥。19世纪70年代，该理论得到了科学界和大众的普遍认可。

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 encouraged his passion for natural science. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle established him as an eminent geologist, 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.
在爱丁堡大学研读医学期间，达尔文对自然逐渐产生兴趣，于是他放弃学医，致力于海洋无脊椎动物的研究。后来在剑桥大学学习期间，达尔文对自然科学的热情更加高涨。达尔文在参与了贝格尔号历时五年的航行之后，成为一位地质学家。回英国后他出版了贝格尔号航行日志，一举成名。由于在航行期间对所见生物与化石的地理分布感到困惑，达尔文开始对物种转变进行研究，并且在1838年提出了他的自然选择理论。

Darwin became internationally famous, and his pre-eminence as a scientist was honored by burial in Westminster Abbey. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history.
达尔文成为一位举世闻名的科学家。为了表彰他的杰出成就，他死后被安葬于英国威斯敏斯特教堂。达尔文被评为人类历史上最具影响力的人物之一。