Charles Darwin theory of evolution

In 1859, Charles Darwin set out his theory of evolution by natural

selection as an explanation for adaptation and speciation. He defined
natural selection as the "principle by which each slight variation [of a
trait], if useful, is preserved". The concept was simple but powerful:
individuals best adapted to their environments are more likely to
survive and reproduce. As long as there is some variation between
them, there will be an inevitable selection of individuals with the most
advantageous variations. If the variations are inherited, then
differential reproductive success will lead to a progressive evolution
of particular populations of a species, and populations that evolve to
be sufficiently different eventually become different species.

Darwin's theory of evolution is based on five key observations and

inferences drawn from them. These observations and inferences
have been summarized by the great biologist Ernst Mayr as follows:

1) Species have great fertility. They make more offspring than can
grow to adulthood.

2) Populations remain roughly the same size, with modest

fluctuations.

3) Food resources are limited, but are relatively constant most of the
time.

From these three observations it may be inferred that in such an

environment there will be a struggle for survival among individuals.

4) In sexually reproducing species, generally no two individuals are

identical. Variation is rampant.

5) Much of this variation is heritable.

From this it may be inferred: In a world of stable populations where

each individual must struggle to survive, those with the "best"
characteristics will be more likely to survive, and those desirable traits
will be passed to their offspring. These advantageous characteristics
are inherited by following generations, becoming dominant among the
population through time. This is natural selection. It may be further
inferred that natural selection, if carried far enough, makes changes
in a population, eventually leading to new species. These
observations have been amply demonstrated in biology, and even
fossils demonstrate the veracity of these observations.

To summarize Darwin's Theory of Evolution;

1. Variation: There is Variation in Every Population.
2. Competition: Organisms Compete for limited resources.
3. Offspring: Organisms produce more Offspring than can survive.
4. Genetics: Organisms pass Genetic traits on to their offspring.
5. Natural Selection: Those organisms with the Most Beneficial Traits
are more likely to survive and Reproduce.

Darwin imagined it might be possible that all life is descended from

an original species from ancient times. DNA evidence supports this
idea. 
Probably all organic beings which have ever lived on this earth have
descended from someone primordial life form. There is grandeur in
this view of life that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according
to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms
most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved.
(Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species)

Darwin’s theory is known as evolution by natural selection.  This

theory holds that in the struggle for life changes and variations within
a species that are profitable to preservation of life will be inherited by
offspring.  In the same manner, those unfavorable or injurious
characteristics will not be inherited by offspring.  Darwin added to
theories of emotion, motivation, and memory.
Motivation
Darwin also had a view on motivation; his views all related to the
survival of the species. For example, he believes that humans
evolved preference for sweet tastes during a time of shortage of food;
because sweets are a rich source of energy people were motivated to
prefer them for which enhanced the chance of survival (Deckers,
2005).  
Emotions
Darwin believed an individual’s emotions were based on hereditary. 
Darwin’s theory of the evolution of emotional expression concludes
that facial expressions of emotion are hard-wired by development. He
also held that some emotional responses in humans such as the
bristling of hair when experiencing extreme fear could only be
understood and explained in that man had existed at in a lower
animal-like state (Goodwin, 2005).  Darwin conducted studies proving
that many emotional expressions were the same cross-culturally and
even cross-species (Kowalski & Western, 2005).
Learning
Darwin held that humans, and other species, have an evolutionary
history. This history is stored in human genes rather than a specific
place in the brain. So, in a sense this evolutionary history constitutes
a collective memory for the species.
To describe and explain emotion he gave the theory of the
Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals

1. Emotion communicates to other animals. For example, an

emotional display may indicate an intention to fight.

2. Emotion prepares animals for action. For example, anger is

accompanied by tense muscles.

This following figure is from Darwin's book on emotions of animals

and humans. The cat-arching its back, erecting its hair, and
showing its teeth-warns another animal of a possible attack. It also
makes itself look fiercer and larger. To Darwin this was a clear
example of an instinctive display of emotion.

Darwin felt that humans also used instinctive ways of expressing

emotion with facial expression. To test this idea, Darwin selected
pictures showing various emotions and showed them to 20 people.
There was unanimous agreement about the emotion shown in some
pictures, but not all, so he concluded that some emotions were
universal, others were specific to one culture.