London, July 2 If a new survey is anything to go by, majority of people think it is possible to believe in God and evolution.

The survey, conducted by the British Council, revealed that 54 per cent thought that science and religion are compatible.

The study of more than 10,000 people across 10 countries worldwide including Great Britain found that only 19 per cent think it is impossible to believe in a God while also holding the view that life on earth evolved as a result of natural selection.

This is the theory proposed by Charles Darwin exactly 150 years ago in his groundbreaking book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.

The poll also uncovered wide regional variations in the acceptance of evolutionary theory.

London respondents were found to be more likely to believe in creationism - the idea that the earth was divinely created in its current form - than people elsewhere in the country.

In total, 23 per cent of the capital's residents rejected evolution, compared with 16 per cent nationwide.

Overall, 45 per cent of adults said they had heard of the Victorian naturalist and knew at least a little about his ideas.

"This survey has thrown up some very interesting regional variations which shows that there is significant need for education and debate about the theory of evolution," the Telegraph quoted Dr Fern Elsdon-Baker, head of the British Council's Darwin Now programme, as saying.

"The contribution that Darwin has made to evidence-based science fundamentally underpins modern biology and is of huge importance, as is the need to address how his ideas are communicated and debated alongside other perspectives.

"Ultimately, this survey highlights the role that science can play in society as a point of reference for debate that should be respectful of people's views and beliefs," Elsdon-Baker added. (ANI)