Motoo Kimura was a prominent Japanese evolutionary biologist known for his contributions to the field of population genetics. He is best recognized for developing the neutral theory of molecular evolution, which posits that most evolutionary changes at the molecular level are caused by random drift of neutral mutations rather than natural selection. This theory has significantly influenced our understanding of genetic variation and evolution. Born in 1924, Kimura's work has had a lasting impact on evolutionary biology and genetics. He published numerous papers and books, helping to bridge the gap between molecular biology and evolutionary theory. His ideas continue to be a foundation for research in evolutionary processes and genetic diversity.