Charles Darwin’s visit to the Galapagos Islands played a pivotal role in his 
formation of the Theory of Natural Selection.
In 1831, Darwin accompanied Captain Robert FitzRoy as a travel companion and naturalist on his voyage on the HMS Beagle. During his stay in the islands, Darwin discovered several species of finches that varied from island to island. They are now named in his honour. He also recorded differences among the giant tortoises that inhabited the different islands.
These observations helped him to develop his Theory of Natural Selection. Years later in 1859, he consolidated all his findings into a famous book titled ‘The Origin of the Species’. Darwin also collected many geological and biological specimens for further studies.
