evolutionary biology

noun

: a discipline of biology concerned with the processes and patterns of biological evolution especially in relation to the diversity of organisms and how they change over time
Speciation still remains one of the biggest mysteries in evolutionary biology.—Bob Holmes
see evolutionary developmental biology
evolutionary biologist noun

Examples of evolutionary biology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The answer, as is so often the case in evolutionary biology, comes back to the pressures of living in groups. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 In my subfield of ecology and evolutionary biology, an average dissertation could yield three to six papers, sometimes more. — Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026 Epstein showed interest in theoretical physics, evolutionary biology and computer science. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026 The conversation around scent and partnership is shifting, with psychologists and health writers pointing to evolutionary biology, genetics and emotional encoding as reasons why a partner’s smell can become either a comfort or a quiet dealbreaker. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for evolutionary biology

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evolutionary biology was in 1876

Rhymes for evolutionary biology

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Browse Nearby Words

evolutionary
evolutionary biology
evolutionary developmental biology
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Cite this Entry

“Evolutionary biology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evolutionary%20biology. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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