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theory of evolution

Other forms: theories of evolution

Definitions of theory of evolution
  1. noun
    (biology) a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals
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    types:
    Darwinism
    a theory of organic evolution claiming that new species arise and are perpetuated by natural selection
    Lamarckism
    a theory of organic evolution claiming that acquired characteristics are transmitted to offspring
    punctuated equilibrium, theory of punctuated equilibrium
    a theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change
    neo-Darwinism
    a modern Darwinian theory that explains new species in terms of genetic mutations
    Neo-Lamarckism
    a modern Lamarckian theory emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in genetic changes and retaining the notion of the inheritance of acquired characters
    type of:
    scientific theory
    a theory that explains scientific observations
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