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British scientists: Newton and Darwin

Study note

Two of Britain's most famous scientists are Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, and it is worth being clear about what each one is known for. Sir Isaac Newton, who lived in the 17th and early 18th centuries, explained gravity and set out the laws of motion. He also showed that white light is made up of the colours of the rainbow.

Charles Darwin, who worked in the 19th century, developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, which explains how species change and develop over long periods of time. The simple way to keep them apart is to link Newton with gravity and the laws of motion, and Darwin with evolution. Both are remembered as famous British scientists.

Memory tip: Newton = gravity and motion; Darwin = evolution.

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Question 1 of 2

Sir Isaac Newton is famous for his work on what?

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Show all questions and answers for British scientists: Newton and Darwin(2 questions with explanations)

British scientists: Newton and Darwin: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Sir Isaac Newton is famous for his work on what?

    • Penicillin
    • The World Wide Web
    • Gravity and the laws of motion
    • The theory of evolution

    Correct answer: Gravity and the laws of motion

    Sir Isaac Newton explained gravity and the laws of motion.

  2. 2. Select TWO famous British scientists.

    • William Shakespeare
    • Sir Isaac Newton
    • Charles Darwin
    • Robert Burns

    Correct answer: Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin

    Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton are famous British scientists.

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