Jainism has its own distinct perspective on the origin and development of life, which differs significantly from the Darwinian theory of evolution.

In Jain philosophy, life is considered eternal and without a beginning (anadi). All living beings—ranging from the simplest one-sensed organisms to complex humans—are seen as souls (jīvas) that undergo countless cycles of birth, death, and rebirth due to the law of karma. The soul transmigrates based on its karmic bonds, taking up different forms of life. This process is not random or based on natural selection, but is governed by the moral law of karma.

Jain texts describe a classification of living beings based on the number of senses they possess, and detail how souls ascend or descend in the cycle of existence (samsara) depending on their karma, rather than through biological evolution as described by Darwin.

Therefore, while Jainism recognizes a vast diversity of life forms and acknowledges change and transformation, it does not support the Darwinian concept of evolution by natural selection, mutation, and survival of the fittest. Instead, it emphasizes the spiritual evolution of the soul through moral purification and liberation (moksha).

In summary: Jainism does not agree with the Darwinian theory of evolution; it has a spiritual and karmic explanation for the origin and diversity of life.