Pivotal events in Charles Darwin's life significantly influenced his theories on evolution. His voyage on the HMS Beagle allowed him to observe diverse species and geological formations, sparking insights about natural selection. Encountering unique wildlife in the Galápagos Islands, he began to formulate ideas that challenged traditional views of creationism. His extensive research and subsequent publication of "On the Origin of Species" laid the foundational framework for modern evolutionary biology, cementing his place as a revolutionary thinker in the scientific community.