February, 2025 - curiosciencequest.com

Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary biology:

Born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England.
Came from a wealthy family — his grandfather Erasmus Darwin was also a respected naturalist.
Initially studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, but dropped out due to a dislike of surgery.
Later enrolled at Cambridge University to study theology — but his real passion was natural science.

In 1831, Darwin joined HMS Beagle as a naturalist for a 5-year scientific voyage around the world.
The Galápagos Islands had a profound impact on his thinking about species variation and adaptation.
He observed finches with different beak shapes — later key to forming his theory of natural selection.
During the voyage, he collected thousands of specimens, many of which were previously unknown to science.

Darwin’s theory proposed that species evolve over time through natural selection.
He waited over 20 years to publish his findings, fearing backlash from the religious and scientific communities.
In 1859, he published “On the Origin of Species”, a landmark work in biology.
The book sold out on the first day and changed scientific thought forever.
He described “descent with modification”, the idea that all species share common ancestors.

Darwin’s work laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology.
He was the first to explain adaptation and speciation through natural mechanisms.
His theory has since been supported by genetics, fossil evidence, and molecular biology.
Although controversial at first, evolution is now a cornerstone of biological science.

Darwin suffered from chronic illness for much of his life, possibly Chagas disease or psychosomatic disorders.
He was buried at Westminster Abbey, near Sir Isaac Newton — a rare honor for a scientist.
Today, Charles Darwin is recognized as one of the most influential scientists in history.

DNA Fun Facts

You share 99.9% of your DNA with every other human!
That tiny 0.1% makes each of us unique.

If you stretched out all the DNA in your body, it could reach the sun and back… 600 times!
Yes, your DNA is super long when unwound.

Bananas share about 60% of their DNA with humans!
You’re more like a banana than you thought.

You have about 20,000 to 25,000 genes.
These genes act like instructions for your body.

You get half of your DNA from your mom and half from your dad.
That’s why you might have your mom’s eyes and your dad’s nose.

DNA is in every cell of your body — except red blood cells!
Red blood cells don’t have a nucleus, so no DNA there.

Identical twins have nearly the same DNA — but not 100%!
Tiny differences can still exist due to mutations.

Your DNA can be used like a fingerprint.
That’s why it helps in solving crimes or proving family relationships.

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
Try saying that 5 times fast!

Most of your DNA doesn’t code for anything.
Scientists used to call it “junk DNA,” but now they’re finding it might have hidden functions.

Some viruses insert their DNA into yours.
About 8% of your DNA actually comes from ancient viruses!

In 2003, scientists finished mapping all human genes.
This was called the Human Genome Project — a huge breakthrough in biology.

You can store your entire DNA code in a file smaller than a digital photo.
DNA stores info in an extremely compact way.

DNA is shaped like a twisted ladder — a double helix.
This shape helps it copy itself perfectly during cell division.

You can get your DNA tested to learn about your ancestry.
Want to know where your great-great-grandparents came from? DNA can help!