The textbook defines the subject and tasks of the theory of evolution, describes the development of evolutionary ideas, evidence and methods for studying the evolution of organic nature, examines the unit, material, factors of evolution, the emergence of adaptations, the problem of species and speciation. Material is provided on the problem of the origin of man. This publication includes the latest data on the evolution of life on Earth (including the earliest, prebiological stages, possible ways of the emergence of the genetic code and other essential signs of life), the latest data on the origin of man. For students biological directions and specialties of universities.