The “evolutionary synthesis” is a phrase widely used for a period in evolutionary studies between 1920 and 1950 when important theoretical developments took place. The period also saw new types of interdisciplinary collaborations develop. These new associations reset the priorities of evolutionary studies for more than fifty years. Contributors came from every country with a significant scientific community and from nearly every discipline in the life sciences. The phrase “evolutionary synthesis” also refers to a period of discipline formation. This involved new community infrastructure, such as new professional societies and journals, dedicated to evolutionary studies. Those at the heart of these organizations who built this infrastructure quickly rose to prominence in the community and found themselves in a strong position to shape outside impressions of community activity.

When these promoters said they had invented the modern science of evolutionary biology, everyone who knew their work understood what they meant. Later, when the same people wrote their history, they were absolutely certain they walked in Darwin’s footsteps. Some said this was because, by and large, they agreed with his theory of natural selection and because they accepted his other major conclusions about evolution. However, the connections to Darwin went far deeper than any agreement about natural selection.