The famous scientist who developed the theory of evolution is Charles Darwin. His groundbreaking work, particularly the book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859, introduced the concept of natural selection as the mechanism by which evolution occurs. Darwin's observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle led him to formulate ideas on species adaptation and diversification over time. His theory fundamentally changed biological sciences, providing a scientific foundation for understanding the diversity of life on Earth and influencing various fields beyond biology, including psychology, sociology, and anthropology.