evolution

(noun) a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage). Synonyms: development. Examples: "The development of his ideas took many years." "The evolution of greek civilization." "The slow development of her skill as a writer."

(noun) (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms. Synonyms: organic evolution, phylogeny, phylogenesis.