View about evolution and the processes guiding evolution vary across a number of groups in the population, including gender, race and ethnic groups, as well as age groups. 37 As we show below, there are a number of differences among subgroups of the population in beliefs about evolution, as has also been the case in past surveys. Another 5% of all adults are unsure how evolution occurred.Īmong the public as a whole, beliefs about human evolution have been roughly stable since first asked in a 2009 Pew Research survey. Roughly half of those who say that humans have evolved over time believe that evolution has occurred from natural processes, such as natural selection (35% of all adults), while a somewhat smaller share (24% of all adults) believe a supreme being guided the evolution of humans and other living things.

In the most recent survey, 65% of adults say that humans and other living things have evolved, while 31% say humans and other living things have existed in their present form since the beginning of time. Respondents were first asked whether “humans and other living things have evolved over time” or “have existed in their present form since the beginning of time.” Those who say that humans and other living things have evolved are asked a follow-up question about the processes they believe account for evolution. The Pew Research survey asked about evolution using a set of two questions. Beliefs About Human EvolutionĬontroversy over evolution has been a mainstay of American public life throughout much of the 20th century. We will examine respondents’ views about the intersection of science and religion and religious groups’ views about science-related topics in more detail in a follow-up report. Numerous other factors also influence public views about evolution, however, including politics, education and science knowledge. Consistent with past Pew Research surveys and other public surveys, religious groups play a central role in beliefs about these topics. This chapter looks at public views about human evolution and perceptions of scientific consensus about evolution and the creation of the universe.

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