Who is considered the father of evolutionary biology?

Charles Darwin is considered the father of evolutionary biology because of his groundbreaking work in developing the theory of natural selection, which explains how species evolve over time through the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to variations in their traits. Darwin's most significant contribution, articulated in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species," provided a robust mechanism for evolution, linking it directly to observable natural phenomena. His ideas laid the foundation for modern evolutionary theory, influencing countless fields of science and shifting the understanding of species development and adaptation.

In addition to natural selection, Darwin's comprehensive study of various species during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, particularly in the Galápagos Islands, offered critical observations that supported his theories. His meticulous documentation and analysis of the variations among species highlighted the dynamic processes involved in evolution.

While other figures, such as Lamarck, Mendel, and Wallace, contributed to the understanding of evolution, their work either preceded or complemented Darwin's ideas rather than being the defining framework of evolutionary biology. Lamarck proposed an early theory of evolution through the inheritance of acquired characteristics, which lacked supporting evidence. Gregor Mendel's principles of genetics provided important insights into heredity that later integrated with Darwin's theories, but he did not directly focus on evolution.