The tutorial first defines biological evolution, and contrasts it with some related but different concepts. It then discusses the rise of modern evolutionary biology historically: we consider Darwin's main precursors; Darwin's own contribution; how Darwin's ideas were received; and the development of the modern 'synthetic theory' of evolution.

Key Questions:

• What is evolution?
• What was biology before Darwin like?
• How did Darwin form his ideas?
• How were Darwin's ideas received?
• What was the impact of Mendel's theory of inheritance?
• How are computers used in evolutionary biology?
• Summary