The famous scientist who advanced the theory of evolution was Charles Darwin. His groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, introduced the concept of natural selection as the mechanism of evolution. Darwin proposed that species evolve over time through a process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. His ideas challenged existing beliefs about creation and species permanence. Darwin's theory provided a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth and laid the foundation for modern biology, deeply influencing fields such as genetics, ecology, and anthropology.