Cinque grandi enigmi e il corallo della vita

[Autom. eng. transl.] The contribution introduces Charles Darwin's thought starting from the problems that guided his scientific reflection, rather than from the theoretical solutions proposed. Through the analysis of five great enigmas - the boundaries between species, the geography of species, the relationship between fossils and living organisms, the imperfection of adaptation and the presence of rudimentary organs - the intellectual path that led Darwin to the formulation of the theory of common descent and, subsequently, of natural selection is reconstructed. The text highlights the formative role of problem posing and problem solving in science, placing Darwin's observations in the historical and conceptual context of the Victorian era. Particular attention is paid to the educational use of scientific problems as tools to develop critical thinking.