[Grammar] Can evolution take a plural verb?

[Anon123456]

Evolution is a abstract noun, so I am confused about its usage.
Which one is correct?
The evolution of exoskeleton and jointed legs is the most important feature of Arthropods.
or
The evolution of exoskeleton and jointed legs are the most important features of Arthropods.

Thank you for your answers!

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

In this context "evolution" is a mass noun and the subject of the sentence.

The evolution of exoskeleton and jointed legs is the most important feature of Arthropods.

 

[Raymott]

On the other hand, you have to ask yourself whether you want to say there one main feature of Arthropods or two. I'd rewrite this.
"The most important features of Arthropods are the evolution of the exoskeleton and that of the jointed legs."
"The evolution of an exoskeleton and of jointed legs are the most important features of Arthropods."
However, I'd call the exoskeleton and the jointed legs the main features of Arthropods - not the evolution of them.
The evolution of the exoskeleton and that of the jointed legs are probably seperate events. The main features in the evolution of Arthropods are the development of the exoskeleton and jointed legs.
Just some thoughts. If you kept the sentence as it is, you'd have to use 'is' as Roman says.