Why is the theory of evolution so important in doing philosophy? More pointedly, why is the theory of evolution key to understanding why human beings behave the way they do? Focus on evolutionary biology and evolutionary psychology when giving your answers. I also suggest being creative here and perhaps using your own life as a template to explain some aspects of evolution. Be sure to incorporate material from Darwin directly or other evolutionists when possible.
Biological evolution allows us the ability to think or to imitate others. Dawkins stated, "biological evolution can help people understand cultural evolution better." Within cultural evolution is "memes." A term coined by Richard Dawkins. A meme is an idea, or behavior that transfers from person to person within a culture. A meme spreads from mind to mind through written, verbal, and physical communication. Within a culture, people imitate, create, or change memes of others. Our human thought is always focused to survive. In order to survive, we adapt causing our bodies and minds to change over time. Memes mimic the components of biological evolution. Like evolution, memes go through phases of variation, competition, and inheritance. If the memes recreate at a slower rate, they become extinct. Memes who recreate at a faster rate have a higher chance of survival, spreading, and mutating. Evolutionary Pschology explains which pschological traits evolved from adapting. Some of the traits that evolve over time is perception of beauty, intelligence, mate selection, and cooperation to work with others. For example, our perception of beauty changes over time. Decades ago, women with a more curvacious body was seen as beautiful. Today, being thin is beautiful, overweight women is seen in a negative light. 
Evolution is important to philosophy because it provides a explanation for consciousness. During my fall semester at Mount San Antonio, I was enrolled in a class, "Introduction to Criminology." One of the books explained the biological roots of criminal behavior. The theory of evolution was key to why criminals behave the way they do. Biological theorist, Cesare Lombroso, coined the term "atavism" to suggest that criminality was the result of primitive urges that had survived the evolutionary process. Lombroso stated an individual who possessed an undeveloped brain is incapable of conforming his or her behavior to the rules and expectations of modern complex society. From the studies of the bodies of executed offenders and deceased criminals, he noticed their brains were similar to those found in lower primates. He stated a variety of bodily features could predict criminal behavior. Some of the features were strong jawline, well developed canine teeth, and large lips. 
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