Evolution is generally defined as the concept that species change and adapt to the environment they live in through mutation, natural selection, and survival of the fittest. Charles Darwin first proposed this idea in 1859, and since then, evolution has become widely accepted as an integral part of the study of science, though much controversy still surrounds it.

So can evolution "fit" into Buddhist teaching and principles?

The answer is more of a yes than no.

In his book, Dhammika writes:

"Although not explicitly mentioned in the Tipitaka, the idea of evolution is remarkably consistent with the Buddha’s teachings about the craving to live (bhava tanha) and that everything changes (anicca)."

So the concept of evolution is not at loggerheads at all with what was believed by the Buddha, who even suggested that life first began as simple organisms, which then evolved to become more complex over time.