evolutionary theory
"Evolutionary theory" is central to understanding how species change and adapt over time, initially proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.
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Definition
C1Biology
(scientific, academic)A scientific framework explaining how species change over generations through mechanisms like natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
Example
- Evolutionary theory explains the diversity of life forms on Earth.
- Darwin's observations of finches contributed to the development of evolutionary theory.
B2General Science
(academic)A model describing how populations of organisms undergo gradual changes due to interactions between their genetics and the environment.
Example
- The evolutionary theory provides insight into how species adapt to their surroundings.
- Scientists use evolutionary theory to study the genetic changes in populations over time.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "evolutionary theory":