Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scientific explanation for the origin and development of species: The "theory of organic evolution" is the foundational biological concept that explains how species of plants and animals change over generations through processes like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. It describes the common descent of all living organisms from a shared ancestor.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The theory of organic evolution provides a unifying framework for understanding the diversity of life.
  • Darwin and Wallace are credited with independently proposing the theory of organic evolution by natural selection.

Advanced Usage

• "the modern synthesis of the theory of organic evolution": Refers to the mid-20th century integration of Darwinian natural selection with Mendelian genetics, forming the core of modern evolutionary biology.
  • The modern synthesis strengthened the theory of organic evolution by explaining the mechanism of heredity.

Variants and Related Words

• Evolutionary theory (n): A more general term often used synonymously with the theory of organic evolution.
  • Evolutionary theory is a cornerstone of modern biology.
• Theory of evolution (n): A common shortened form.
  • The theory of evolution is supported by evidence from multiple scientific disciplines.

Synonyms

• Darwinism: Specifically refers to the theory of evolution as proposed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing natural selection.
• Evolutionary biology: The scientific field dedicated to studying the processes described by the theory of organic evolution.

Related Phrases

• "evidence for the theory of organic evolution": Data from paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy that supports the theory.
  • The fossil record provides crucial evidence for the theory of organic evolution.

Noun

1. (biology) a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals