Charles Darwin, full name Charles Robert Darwin, was born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England. He is best known as the father of evolutionary biology, having developed the theory of natural selection, which fundamentally changed the way we understand the development of life on Earth. Darwin passed away on April 19, 1882, in Downe, Kent, leaving a profound legacy in the fields of science and literature.

Darwin's early life was marked by a keen curiosity about the natural world. He was the fifth of six children in a well-to-do family, with a father who was a physician and a mother who came from a prominent family. Initially enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study medicine, Darwin soon shifted his focus to natural history. His passion for the sciences was further ignited during his time at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1831.

Darwin's literary career began in earnest with the publication of "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. This groundbreaking work presented evidence for the theory of evolution and introduced the concept of natural selection. Other notable works include "The Descent of Man," which explored human evolution, and "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals," where he examined emotional expressions. Throughout his career, Darwin published numerous scientific papers and books, contributing significantly to various fields, including geology, botany, and zoology.

In his personal life, Darwin married his cousin Emma Wedgwood in 1839, and the couple had ten children, several of whom pursued careers in science and academia. Despite facing significant criticism and controversy for his theories, Darwin remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to conduct research until his death. His contributions to science and literature have had an enduring impact, shaping modern understanding of biology and evolution.