Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Charles Darwin: An English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely recognized for his foundational contributions to the science of evolution. He proposed the scientific theory that populations evolve over generations through a process of natural selection.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Charles Darwin published his seminal work "On the Origin of Species" in 1859.
  • The voyage of the HMS Beagle was a pivotal experience for Charles Darwin.
  • Modern evolutionary biology is built upon the ideas of Charles Darwin.

Advanced Usage

• "Darwinian" (adj): Relating to Charles Darwin or his theory of evolution by natural selection.
  • The Darwinian concept of "survival of the fittest" is often misunderstood.
• "Darwinism" (n): The theory of the evolution of species by natural selection as advanced by Charles Darwin.
  • The term Darwinism is often used to describe the core principles of his evolutionary theory.

Variants and Related Words

• Darwinian (adj): Pertaining to Charles Darwin or his theories.
• Darwinism (n): The theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin.
• Neo-Darwinism (n): Modern synthesis of Darwinian evolution with Mendelian genetics.

Synonyms

• The naturalist: Often used contextually to refer to him.
• The author of "On the Origin of Species": A descriptive synonym referencing his most famous work.

Related Phrases

• Darwin's finches: A group of bird species from the Galápagos Islands studied by Darwin, crucial to his theory.
  • Darwin's finches are a classic example of adaptive radiation.
• Darwinian evolution: The process of evolution as described by Charles Darwin's theory.
  • The evidence for Darwinian evolution is overwhelming.

Related Idioms

• A Darwinian struggle: A situation characterized by intense competition for survival, often used metaphorically outside of biology.
  • The corporate environment can sometimes feel like a Darwinian struggle.

Noun

1. English natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882)