THE HISTORY OF EVOLUTIONARY THOUGHT

Abstract

Theory of evolution is by far the most important theory in biology. Evolution’sintegral role in science is well known – it is the milestone of modern biology. Dobzhansky’sfamous dictum that “nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution“ is evenmore true today than it was half a century ago. The concepts and principles of evolution arefundamental in many fi elds in the biological science. Evolutionary explanations pervade allfi elds of biology and bring them together under one theoretical umbrella. A general knowledge ofevolutionary mechanisms of biochemical adaptation is essential. Evolutionary biology has hadimplications to a new century of medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and even law. Some ofthe most promising areas for the future use of evolutionary biology lie in drug development andthe biotechnology industry. Thus, evolution, especially microevolution, has been fundamentalto certain social imoprovements of this century, and it promises to be profoundly important tobiomedical technology. There are many applications of evolutionary theory: from treatment ofhuman disease, to forensics and software engineering. Finally, understanding the evolutionaryhistory helps us conserve endangered species.