darwinism
/'dɑ:winizm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A theory of biological evolution: Darwinism is the scientific theory that explains how species of living organisms change over time through the process of natural selection. It posits that species evolve as individuals with heritable traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Usage
- Darwinism is a foundational concept in modern biology.
- The term is often used in academic and scientific discussions about evolution.
- It is typically treated as a proper noun and is often capitalized.
Examples
- Noun:
- The principles of Darwinism revolutionized our understanding of the natural world.
- Modern evolutionary theory has its roots in Darwinism.
- He wrote a paper critiquing certain interpretations of Darwinism.
Advanced Usage
- Social Darwinism: A distinct and controversial socio-political theory that misapplies the biological concepts of natural selection and "survival of the fittest" to human societies, economics, and politics. This is not a biological theory and is considered separate from scientific Darwinism.
- Social Darwinism was used to justify various forms of social inequality.
Variants and Related Words
- Darwinian (adj): Relating to or characteristic of Charles Darwin or his theory.
- Darwinian evolution is supported by extensive evidence.
- Neo-Darwinism (n): The modern synthesis of Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics.
- Neo-Darwinism provides the genetic mechanism for how traits are inherited.
Synonyms
- Theory of evolution by natural selection: The more descriptive, full name of the theory.
- Evolutionary theory: A broader term that encompasses Darwinism and its modern developments.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Survival of the fittest": A phrase often associated with Darwinism, describing the process of natural selection where the organisms best adapted to their environment tend to survive.
- In business, people sometimes mistakenly describe competition as "survival of the fittest."
Noun
-
a theory of organic evolution claiming that new species arise and are perpetuated by natural selection
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