Which of the following statements about the voyage of the Beagle is true?

• A. Charles Darwin collected evidence during the voyage that contributed to the development of his theory of natural selection.
• B. The voyage of the Beagle lasted less than one year.
• C. Darwin was the captain of the Beagle during its voyage.
• D. The Beagle's primary mission was to search for new species in Antarctica.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the historical context of the voyage of the Beagle. The HMS Beagle was a British ship that embarked on a scientific expedition from 1831 to 1836, lasting approximately five years, not less than one year.
2. Step 2: Clarify Charles Darwin's role during the voyage. Darwin was not the captain of the Beagle; he was a naturalist who joined the expedition to study and collect biological specimens and geological observations.
3. Step 3: Examine the primary mission of the Beagle. The ship's main purpose was to conduct hydrographic surveys and map coastlines, particularly in South America, rather than searching for new species in Antarctica.
4. Step 4: Highlight Darwin's contributions during the voyage. Darwin collected extensive evidence, including observations of species and fossils, which later contributed to the development of his theory of natural selection.
5. Step 5: Based on the analysis of the statements, identify the correct one: 'Charles Darwin collected evidence during the voyage that contributed to the development of his theory of natural selection.' This aligns with the historical significance of the voyage.