Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution through his observations on the Galapagos Islands and later research. He noticed that different species of finches on different islands had developed variations in beak size and shape that correlated with their availability of food sources, demonstrating adaptive evolution through natural selection. Later studies also showed examples of evolution through natural selection, such as peppered moths changing in coloration to better camouflage against tree bark during the Industrial Revolution. Darwin's work established evolution as a key explanation for diversity of life on Earth.