Which scientist is known for his theory of evolution through natural selection?

Charles Darwin is renowned for his theory of evolution through natural selection, which he articulated in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859. This theory posits that individuals within a species show variations, and those variations that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to subsequent generations. Darwin’s meticulous observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, particularly in the Galapagos Islands, informed his understanding of how species adapt to their environments over time.

In the context of anthropology, Darwin’s ideas have had profound implications, influencing not only biological sciences but also the study of human behavior, culture, and evolution. His contributions laid the groundwork for evolutionary anthropology, a field that examines the biological and cultural developments of humans from an evolutionary perspective.

The other scientists—Gregor Mendel is known for his foundational work in genetics, Herbert Spencer contributed to social Darwinism and the application of evolutionary concepts to society, and James Hutton is recognized as the father of modern geology for his work on uniformitarianism. While their contributions are significant in their respective fields, none of them proposed the comprehensive theory of evolution through natural selection that is attributed to Darwin.