How did
Darwin use scientific methods,
such as making observations,
analyzing data, and drawing con-
clusions, before presenting his
ideas on the theory of
evolution by natural selection?

A visit to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 helped Darwin formulate his ideas on natural selection. He found several species of finch adapted to different environmental niches. The finches also differed in beak shape, food source, and how food was captured.