Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English geologist and naturalist. His five year voyage on the Beagle and the popular book he wrote about it made him famous. He introduced the idea of natural selection and showed how the process could allow living things to change gradually to better survive in their changing environments. A variation of his theory is now the excepted explanation for evolution. I think it is safe to say that this author is the only National Geographic author who is buried in Westminster Abbey. Rosalyn Schanzer is the award-winning author and illustrator of 15 books for young people.