evolutionary
/,i:və'lu:ʃnəri/
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Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to the process of evolution: Describes something connected to or resulting from biological evolution, the gradual development of species over generations.
- Involving gradual development or change: Can describe any process of gradual, progressive change or development in a system, idea, or field.
Usage
- Used to describe concepts, processes, or fields of study connected to biological evolution.
- Can modify nouns to indicate that something is based on, results from, or pertains to evolutionary theory or processes.
- Often used in academic, scientific, and technical contexts.
Examples
- Adjective:
- Evolutionary biology is the study of how species change over time.
- The fossil record provides evolutionary evidence for common ancestry.
- The software underwent an evolutionary design process, with each version improving on the last.
Advanced Usage
- Evolutionary psychology: A theoretical approach to psychology that examines psychological traits as adaptations shaped by natural selection.
- Evolutionary psychology seeks to explain human behavior through our ancestral past.
- Evolutionary algorithm: A subset of artificial intelligence that uses mechanisms inspired by biological evolution, such as reproduction and mutation.
- Computer scientists used an evolutionary algorithm to optimize the design.
Variants and Related Words
- Evolution (n): The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms.
- Darwin's theory of evolution revolutionized biology.
- Evolve (v): To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
- The company's strategy continues to evolve.
- Evolutionist (n): A person who believes in the theories of evolution.
- The debate between creationists and evolutionists.
Synonyms
- Developmental: Pertaining to the process of developing or being developed.
- Progressive: Happening or developing gradually or in stages.
- Adaptive: Characterized by or given to adaptation.
Related Phrases
- Evolutionary tree: A branching diagram showing the inferred evolutionary relationships among various biological species.
- The evolutionary tree illustrates how mammals diverged from reptiles.
- Evolutionary pressure: An environmental factor that causes certain traits to become more or less common in a population over time.
- Predation is a strong evolutionary pressure that favors camouflage.
Adjective
- of or relating to or produced by evolution
- evolutionary biology