The famous scientist who developed the theory of evolution is Charles Darwin. His groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, introduced the concept of natural selection as the mechanism by which evolution occurs. Darwin proposed that species evolve over time due to genetic variations that favor survival and reproduction in a given environment. His theory challenged previously held beliefs about the fixity of species and laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology. Darwin’s ideas have profoundly impacted numerous fields, including genetics, anthropology, and ecology, shaping our understanding of life on Earth.