George Gaylord Simpson

George Gaylord Simpson was a prominent American paleontologist and evolutionary biologist, renowned for his work in understanding the fossil record and evolution. Born in 1902, he significantly advanced the field by integrating paleontology with modern evolutionary theory, arguing that species evolve over time through natural selection. Simpson's influential book, "Tempo and Mode in Evolution," emphasized the importance of gradual changes in species, challenging earlier views of sudden change. His research helped lay the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology, highlighting the intricate relationships between fossils, living organisms, and the processes driving evolution.