The History of Evolution section examines the history of evolutionary theory, from the first vague hints of progressive change in Greek philosophy to the fusion of evolution with modern views of genetics. In the section you'll find historical analyses and biographical sketches of major evolutionists.

History of Evolution Contents

Pre-Darwinian Theories of Evolution: Learn about the history of evolutionary theory before Darwin, from its earliest suggestions in philohsophy to the alternate mechanisms envisioned by Darwin's immediate predecessors.

Reactions to Darwinism: Examine the reactions to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection immediately following its publication.

The Modern Synthesis: Study the fusion of two of the most important ideas in the field of biology: evolution by natural selection and inheritance by discrete genes.

Social Darwinism: Discover the reasons behind and the explanations offered by the classic misapplication of evolutionary theory to the field of ethics.

Early Theorist Biographies: Look into the lives and work of the major evolutionary theorists who predated the beginnings of the modern synthesis.

Modern Theorist Biographies: See the lives and work of the evolutionary theorists who have worked during or after the modern synthesis.

History of Evolution Quiz: Test your understanding of the history behind evolutionary theory with this quiz.