Charles Robert Darwin (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English Naturalist, Geologist, and biologist  widely - known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental scientific concept.In a joint presentation with Alfred Russell Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection , in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in agricultural breeding.. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history and was honoured by his burial in Westminster Abbey.