Charles Darwin

Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history and was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.

12 February 1809

Born on the same birth date (12 February 1809): Abraham Lincoln

Born on the same birth day (12 February): Anne Osborn Krueger • Anthony Tuitavake • Arlen Specter • Gundappa Viswanath • John Winthrop the Younger • Kujō Yoritsune • Lev Shestov • Norman Farberow • Pierre Louis Dulong • Scot Pollard

Born in the same month (February 1809): Abraham Lincoln • André Dumont (geologist) • Cyrus McCormick • Felix Mendelssohn • Jean-Charles Cornay • John Hart (South Australian colonist)