The Origin of Species begins with naturalist Charles Darwin recounting his voyage aboard HMS Beagle from December 1831 to October 1836. He explains how he formed his theory of natural selection through its observation, and collection of data on various species in South America and nearby islands, particularly the Galapagos Islands. Darwin says he is aware of previous observations by researchers about similarities between organic species and the idea that species were not created independently, but may have descended from others. Many naturalists initially attributed this phenomenon to external conditions, including climate, food, and geography. However, Darwin was the first to claim that there was something else at work that caused so many species to adapt so well to their surroundings. Through careful study of plants and animals (both domesticated and natural), Darwin provides a theory of the origin of species. It posits the theory of natural selection and states that species with advantageous variations have the best chance of survival. In his studies Darwin is able to reject the idea that environmental factors are the main drivers of variation, because new types of old species came into existence without a major change in environmental conditions. Darwin also rejects the idea that habits of use are the main cause of species variation. Reproduction plays the most important role in variation, because parents pass on specific variations to their offspring. These variations are then perpetuated in subsequent generations. Two concepts dominate the way different species are created: the struggle for existence and natural selection. The large number of adaptations that have been seen, such as the beak of a woodpecker, or the ability of a beetle to dive... middle of paper..., should all be built on the same model, and should include the same bones , in the same relative positions?” All of these limbs share some commonalities, but have very different functions, leading to the belief that each evolved to become more functional for each species over time. This simple fact alone is what really sticks with me and is the most important idea I take away from this book. The idea of ​​natural selection, and the fact that I now fully understand it, helps me understand the history of life on earth and how everything became what it is today. The history of life on earth has always been a hotly debated topic around the world, and in my head too. However, after reading this book with an open mind, I learned not only about the origin of species, but I gained a better understanding of life on earth as a whole..