What sparked Darwin's opportunity to join the HMS Beagle?

Charles Darwin's opportunity to join the HMS Beagle stemmed largely from his deep interest in natural science, which was further cultivated through his relationships with prominent professors of the time. While he had not been formally trained in many aspects of natural history, his experiences at the University of Edinburgh and Christ's College in Cambridge exposed him to influential thinkers like John Stevens Henslow, who recognized Darwin's potential and supported his candidacy for the Beagle voyage. Henslow's recommendation was pivotal in helping Darwin secure a place on the ship, as he encouraged Captain FitzRoy to consider Darwin for the role of the ship's naturalist. This connection to academia and mentorship played a critical role in shaping Darwin's journey, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking observations that contributed to the theory of evolution.