The History of Evolutionary Thought

The history of evolutionary thought is a fascinating story spanning hundreds of years of both speculation and scientific discovery. Using the links below, explore the story from early studies of earth sciences, through Charles Darwin's reknowned explanation of biological life on earth and 20th-century discoveries that enrich our understanding of life on earth. As you read each persons contribution, pay particular attention as to what exactly is the key contribution for evolutionary theory. Sometimes this will be clear, while other times it might be a bit more murky.

To navigate Understanding Evolution: The History of Evolutionary Thought web site, simply click on the labelled boxes, e.g., Comparative Anatomy

Pre-1800s

1800-1900

1900 to Present