Charles Darwin is credited with developing the theory of evolution through natural selection. His groundbreaking work, particularly in his 1859 book "On the Origin of Species," changed the way we understand the development of life on Earth. Darwin proposed that species evolve over time through a process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This revolutionary idea explained the diversity of life and provided a scientific framework for understanding biological changes. Although his theory faced criticism initially, it laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology and significantly influenced various scientific fields.