Quiet revolutionary: Darwin in 1859 or 60, shortly following the publication of On the Origin of Species.
Credit: Wikimedia
SYDNEY: Happy birthday Charles Darwin! 12 February marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the man who fundamentally altered our perception of the natural world and our place within it.
His insight into the process that drives evolution fostered a new understanding of biology and forever altered the landscape of modern science. As renowned geneticist and evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky said: "Nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution."
As well as Darwin's bicentennial, this year also marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. To mark the occasion you'll find a whole package of articles on Cosmos Online:
SALUTING THE FOUNDER OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORY
Two hundred years ago, in a wealthy household in rural England, a child was born who, in a quiet, dogged and peaceful way, was destined to become one of history's greatest revolutionaries.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DANGEROUS IDEAS
It took courage to challenge society, the certainties of life in Victorian England and his own faith: but Charles Darwin did it, however reluctantly, because he knew he had found a greater truth.
THE ORIGIN OF A THEORY
Was Charles Darwin the genius behind the greatest revolution in science, or did he merely state the obvious?
MODEST FATHER OF BIOLOGY
Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution changed the face of science forever, but he was a modest, shy man who preferred to stay at home with his work and family than revel in celebrity.
DARWIN'S NATURAL LABORATORY
The Galapagos Islands were to Charles Darwin what the legendary falling apple was to Isaac Newton.
DARWIN AT 200: A TIMELINE
Darwin bequeathed a theoretical legacy that remains a pillar of modern science – read our brief history of his life and the evolution of his theory.
FAMOUS DARWIN QUOTES ARE WRONG, SAYS SCHOLAR
Even the guardians of Darwin's flame got it wrong; some of his most often cited quotes don't appear anywhere in his published works.
FATHER OF EVOLUTION GOES ONLINE
Last year the original version of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was published online among a "treasure trove" of the scientist's papers, photographs and other documents.
BOOMING TOURISM THREATENS GALAPAGOS
In 2007 Ecuador's President Rafael Correa declared the renowned Galapagos Islands at risk and imposed restrictions on tourism, flights and residency to prevent further ecological damage.
