Includes bibliographical references (page 87) and index.

"In 1831, at the age of twenty-two, Charles Darwin embarked on a momentous five-year-long voyage on the HMS Beagle. His observations during this voyage led Darwin to eventually conclude that all species of plant and animal life have slowly evolved over thousands of years, adapting themselves to their environment by a process of natural selection. This book tells the story of Darwin's life, detailing the findings and events that led him to develop his groundbreaking and controversial ideas on biology and geology."--Provided by publisher.