Darwin Day 2024: Whether you are an experienced scientist who enjoys hands-on experience or are opposed to mathematics and dissection, February 12 is Darwin Day, when we honor the contributions of Charles Darwin and science as a whole. Invest additional time in studying his experiments, discoveries, and accomplishments, and contemplate their enduring relevance in contemporary society.
As a result of the revelation of evolutionary creation, scientists in numerous disciplines have made life-changing and life-saving discoveries regarding the origin of our species. There are numerous reasons for being appreciative of Darwin and his research!
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Darwin Day History
Charles Darwin, the man who was subsequently acknowledged as the originator of natural selection, was born on February 12, 1809, the fifth child in a wealthy English family. Charles’s father, a physician, and his grandfathers, both naturalists, laid the groundwork for the scientific discoveries that Charles would later accomplish. In 1825, Charles left for medical school after helping his father in Shropshire tend to the sick and destitute. He found studying boring and didn’t put any effort into it. Soon after, his father made plans for him to follow his dream of becoming an Anglican priest by enrolling him in Christ’s College in Cambridge.
Darwin was studying religion, but he could not help but be pulled into the natural sciences. At the insistence of a friend at the time, he became interested in the beetle collection, and his contacts with other reverend naturalists stoked his enthusiasm even more. He arranged to go to the tropics with his professor on a natural history study expedition.
Following his repatriation, Darwin was extended an invitation to participate as a naturalist on an expedition en route along the coast of South America. The vessel in question was the HMS Beagle, and Robert FitzRoy served as its commander. Five years after embarking on his voyage in 1931, Darwin resided aboard this vessel. Darwin was exposed to an abundance of novel geology, anthropology, zoology, and botany information while traversing South America. With great attention to detail, he gathered fossils, rocks, vegetation, and insects for shipment back to England. Both Darwin and FitzRoy documented their travels in journals that continue to be influential to this day.
As the HMS Beagle approached England, Darwin’s theories of evolution were already entering the realm of speculation. Particularly, the Galapagos Islands’ finches served to exemplify his theories. To gain a better understanding, he frantically rewrote his journal entries from the journey, read the works of Malthus, and conducted plant experiments to test his hypotheses. He wed during this period of excessive labor but concurrently developed a chronic illness.
Darwin published “On the Origin of Species,” a foundational study on natural selection, in 1859. Despite its unexpected success, the church, which taught divine creation as the beginning of life, responded adversely. During his next 22 years, he published and researched evolution and selection. He died of heart illness in 1882, perhaps caused by his chronic Chagas disease.
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Darwin Day 2024 FAQs
In which locations is Darwin Day observed?
Internationally, with a specific focus on the United Kingdom.
Do any additional holidays occur on February 12th?
Yes! National Plum Pudding Day and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday are both observed on February 12.
Are there additional national holidays that celebrate science?
Yes! National STEM Day is observed on November 8, while International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11.
Darwin Day 2024 Activities
Upon examination of “On the Origin of Species,”
Darwin’s seminal and revolutionary work on evolution is an essential must-read on Darwin Day. Approximately 500 pages in length, Darwin’s book presents the fundamental principle of evolution, which serves as the foundation for much of contemporary biology.
Become familiar with Darwin
If you’re anything like the majority of us, Darwin has been on the back burner of your mind since fourth-grade science. If the Galapagos Islands are the only thing you remember about the renowned scientist, then today is an excellent time to study his life.
Share the hashtag #DarwinDay across social media.
The concepts and teachings of Charles Darwin have caused controversy, yet they are scientifically proven and not commonly understood. Social media users can highlight science and Darwin’s findings by using #DarwinDay.
Five Interesting Facts Regarding Darwin
He was afflicted with a chronic illness.
Darwin’s chronic illness, which included fatigue, nausea, migraines, and arrhythmias, was hypothesized to be the result of overwork after he realized his vocation in natural history. Chagas’ disease is the suspected name for this ailment.
The birth of Darwin coincided with that of Abraham Lincoln.
It must have been a fortunate occasion on February 12, 1809, to witness the births of two significant individuals: Abraham Lincoln was born in a humble log cabin, whereas Darwin was delivered in an opulent mansion.
A pro-con list determined his marriage.
While deliberating on the marriage proposal to his cousin Emma, Darwin constructed a list of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, he accepted the proposal, and the couple exchanged vows the following year.
“Survival of the Fittest” is not a phrase attributed to Darwin.
What a surprise! An English philosopher named Herbert Spencer devised one of the most renowned expressions associated with Charles Darwin. Spencer utilized the phrase to link his economic theories to the work of Darwin.
Darwin consumed exotic fare as a refreshment.
Undoubtedly not solely for educational intentions, Darwin reportedly enjoyed armadillo, pumas, and ostriches during his circumnavigation of the globe.
DARWIN DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 12 | Saturday |
