Charles Darwin, one of the world’s most influential scientists will be celebrated today with a series of events to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth.
From a childhood as an avid beetle collector, Darwin went on to become one of the heavyweights of the scientific world.
His masterpiece On The Origin of Species, published in 1859, transformed the way science was understood, with his theories on evolution forming the basis of modern biology.
Darwin’s theory, proposing that life evolves by natural selection over millions of years, caused uproar in the worlds of science, religion and art and is viewed as one of the most important texts of the last 200 years.
The esteem in which Darwin is held will be celebrated at more than 100 venues including zoos, museums, theatres and galleries across the UK.
Many of the events have been organised by Darwin200, with some taking place in the run up to and after Darwin’s anniversary today.
Darwin died on April 19th, 1882 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
PA