Approximately how old was Charles Darwin when he boarded the HMS Beagle?

Approximately how old was Charles Darwin when he boarded the HMS Beagle?

• A. 22-23 years old
• B. 18-19 years old
• C. 30-31 years old
• D. 40-41 years old

Answer: (A)

Understanding age from dates means comparing the event date to the birth date and checking whether the birthday has occurred yet in that year. Darwin was born February 12, 1809, and the Beagle voyage began in December 1831. Subtracting 1809 from 1831 gives 22, and his next birthday would be in February 1832, after the voyage began. So he was 22 years old when he boarded, which fits the broad range of 22-23.

Understanding age from dates means comparing the event date to the birth date and checking whether the birthday has occurred yet in that year. Darwin was born February 12, 1809, and the Beagle voyage began in December 1831. Subtracting 1809 from 1831 gives 22, and his next birthday would be in February 1832, after the voyage began. So he was 22 years old when he boarded, which fits the broad range of 22-23.