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Notable British scientists and inventors

Study note

Britain has a strong record of scientific discovery and invention, and several of its scientists are world-famous. Sir Isaac Newton explained gravity and set out the laws of motion, work that became a foundation of modern physics. Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution, which describes how living things change over time through natural selection.

In medicine, Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, one of the first and most important antibiotics, which has saved many lives. In the modern age, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British engineer, invented the World Wide Web. A simple way to keep these straight is Newton for gravity, Darwin for evolution, Fleming for penicillin and Berners-Lee for the web. William Wordsworth, by contrast, was a poet, not a scientist.

Memory tip: Newton-gravity, Darwin-evolution, Fleming-penicillin, Berners-Lee-the web.

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Question 1 of 5

Who developed the theory of evolution?

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Show all questions and answers for Notable British scientists and inventors(5 questions with explanations)

Notable British scientists and inventors: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who developed the theory of evolution?

    • Alexander Fleming
    • Isaac Newton
    • Tim Berners-Lee
    • Charles Darwin

    Correct answer: Charles Darwin

    Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

  2. 2. Sir Alexander Fleming is known for discovering what?

    • Penicillin
    • Gravity
    • The steam engine
    • The World Wide Web

    Correct answer: Penicillin

    Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, an important antibiotic.

  3. 3. Who is credited with inventing the World Wide Web?

    • Sir Tim Berners-Lee
    • William Shakespeare
    • Sir Isaac Newton
    • Charles Darwin

    Correct answer: Sir Tim Berners-Lee

    British engineer Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web.

  4. 4. Which of these statements about British scientists is NOT true?

    • Sir Alexander Fleming developed the theory of evolution
    • Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web
    • Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution
    • Sir Isaac Newton described gravity and the laws of motion

    Correct answer: Sir Alexander Fleming developed the theory of evolution

    Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. It was Charles Darwin who developed the theory of evolution.

  5. 5. Which of these is NOT a famous British scientist or inventor?

    • William Wordsworth
    • Sir Isaac Newton
    • Sir Alexander Fleming
    • Charles Darwin

    Correct answer: William Wordsworth

    William Wordsworth was a poet. The others are famous British scientists and inventors.

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