The Department of Evolution and Genetics was founded in 1971 within the Zoological Institute with Prof. Dr. Pavle Radoman as the first head. In 1974, the name was changed to the Department of Genetics and Evolution, and the leadership was taken over by Prof. Dr. Dragoslav Marinković (now an academician). The core courses date back to before the foundation of the Department itself. The subject Organic Evolution was introduced in 1957, and since 1961, exercises in the field of genetics have been held within this course. A separate course Genetics was introduced in 1967. Teaching at postgraduate studies in genetics began in 1969. Over the years, the core courses have diversified according to the research topics of the teachers and in cooperation with other departments, and the content has been significantly improved. Since 2004, the head of the Department has been Prof. Dr. Vladimir Kekić, and in the period from 2009 to 2021, Prof. Dr. Marina Stamenković-Radak.

In addition to the above teachers, significant contributions to the development of the Department were made by academician Marko Anđelković, Prof. Dr. Nikola Tučić, corresponding member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Prof. Dr. Marija Gć-Šćekić, and Dr. Mirjana Milošević-Brockett.

The Department of Genetics and Evolution organizes teaching at all levels of study. In the basic academic studies in the current program, teaching is carried out in mandatory subjects in the field of genetics, evolutionary biology and animal behavior, as well as in a large number of elective courses. The Applied Genetics module of the master's academic studies covers aspects of the application of genetic principles in medicine, economy, forensics, environmental protection and endangered species... The Genetics specialist program is of particular interest in healthcare institutions, such as diagnostic laboratories and genetic counseling centers. In doctoral studies, the Department organizes two modules: Genetics and Evolutionary Biology. Courses in the field of genotoxicology, forensic genetics and animal behavior are organized in cooperation with the departments of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and General Physiology and Biophysics, and the Department's teachers also participate in other modules of the Faculty of Biology and study programs of the University.

Teachers and associates of the Department continuously participate in the programs of the Petnica Research Station. In addition to university literature, they are co-authors of several Biology textbooks for primary and secondary schools.

Scientific work at the Department of Genetics and Evolution takes place in the fields of population, ecological, conservation and medical genetics, evolutionary biology and animal behavior.

Members of the Department analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of genetic variability in the Ogozorcje region using chromosomal and molecular markers, and genomic data. Using the same models, they examine the effects of environmental stress (temperature, heavy metals) on the expression of miRNAs, candidate genes, and microbiota; as well as the selection bias of mtDNA variation. They also study the genetic variability of endangered species.

Using the bean weevil as a model, members of the Department study the coevolution of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes by analyzing the effect of mtDNA variability on life history traits and population dynamics in different nuclear environments. Using the same model system, they also study the role of phenotypic plasticity in the process of adaptation to new host plants.

Research is also being conducted on various forms of behavior, such as feeding behavior and reproductive behavior of selected representatives of arthropods (fruit flies, centipedes). Behavioral traits are monitored in natural populations and in laboratory lines (lines of R. tejapodazgeg have been maintained for over 20 years). The influence of morphological and semiochemical variability that occurs as a consequence of various environmental factors (temperature and nutrition) on certain forms of behavior is also monitored.

The Department also studies the molecular genetic and epigenetic basis of solid tumors. Biomarkers of these pathological conditions in humans are identified, especially the importance of non-coding RNAs.

Members of the Department promote scientific work in a broader social context through science popularization programs, exhibitions, forums, shows, and festivals.