When did the HMS Beagle embark on its journey?

The HMS Beagle embarked on its significant journey on December 27, 1831. This voyage is well-known largely because of the voyage's naturalist, Charles Darwin, who was onboard and whose observations during the trip laid the groundwork for his theory of evolution. The HMS Beagle's primary mission was to map the coastlines of South America, but it also involved gathering scientific data. This particular voyage lasted nearly five years, during which Darwin made crucial observations of the natural world, species variation, and fossil records, ultimately leading to his formulation of the theory of natural selection. Understanding the timeline of the Beagle's journey is crucial for grasping the context of Darwin's work and its impact on biology and the study of evolution.