This article covers evolution in a general sense, see evolution for biological evolution.

Evolution is any process of growth or development that entails change. The word stems from the Latin evolutio meaning "unfolding" and before the late 19th century was confined to referring to goal-directed, pre-programmed processes such as embryological development. A pre-programmed task, as in a military maneuver, using this definition, may be termed an "evolution." One can also speak of stellar evolution, chemical evolution, cultural evolution, spiritual evolution or the evolution of an idea. Other kinds of evolution include evolutionary algorithms (which include genetic algorithms) which attempt to mimic processes similar to biological evolution in a computer program, most frequently as an optimization technique and as an experimental framework for the computational modelling of evolution.

Modern usage

In the 19th century the word "evolution" was identified with improvement. It was clear to European thinkers at that time – in the wake of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution – that human societies evolved; many people have claimed the same about the evolution of biological species. In the 20th century, most social scientists came to reject the strict identification of social and cultural change with improvement (see also social evolution and cultural evolution); most interpretations of Darwin's account of evolution similarly argue against identifying biological changes with improvement.

Since the 19th century "evolution" is generally used in reference to biological evolution, the development of the different varieties of living things over generations. Often it is shorthand for the modern theory of evolution of species based upon Darwin's idea of natural selection.

Thus, evolution may be:

• A process of growth, change, or development in several sciences, including:
  • In biology:
    • The theory of evolution
      • Human evolution
        • Higher evolution
    • Convergent evolution
    • Molecular evolution
    • Virus evolution
  • in chemistry:
    • The liberation of gases during a chemical reaction, e.g. of CO₂ during a decarboxylation
  • In cosmology:
    • Stellar evolution
    • Galaxy formation and evolution
    • Creative evolution
  • In sociology:
    • Cultural evolution
  • In computer science and mathematics
    • evolutionary algorithm

• The advocacy of evolution for the origins of life is often called evolutionism, especially by opponents.

• Novell Evolution, an email client included in GNOME

• The name of several albums — see Evolution (album).

• The name of several books — see Evolution (book).

• Evolution is the term used in the video game Pokémon to describe a significant change in a Pokémon's form after sufficient experience is gained.

• Evolution is the name of a film released in 2001

• Evolution is the name of a series of motorcycle engines manufactured by Harley-Davidson

• Evolution is the name of a highly successful stable in World Wrestling Entertainment. Members are Triple H, Ric Flair and Batista.