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neo-Darwinian

neo-Darwinian

1 8.2
Relating to modern evolution theory that explains change by genes and groups of animals or plants
  • adjective
  • /ˌniːoʊˈdɑːrwɪniən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : neodarwiniano
  • The neo-Darwinian model has been widely accepted in explaining how species adapt over time.

Examples

  • Scientists often reference the neo-Darwinian theory to explain the role of genetics in evolution.

  • If human activities cause the collapse of the global ecosystem, the neo-Darwinian perspective could also prove to be maladaptive.

    Academic text (1993)
  • But at least it precludes rubbish subtitles like "Why the neo-Darwinian materialist picture is almost certainly false."

    Blog text (17)
  • In the absence of any clearer statement of the argument, we will assume that this is the so-called "neo-Darwinian" picture that Nagel opposes.

    Blog text (3)
  • As Alister McGrath explained the change: "The neo-Darwinian synthesis is grounded in the assumption that small random genetic changes (mutations) over long periods of time occasionally have positive survival value."

    Academic text (2010)
  • In neo-Darwinian theory (cf. Betzig 1988:5), three intertwined features are said to be associated with the social and reproductive success of people: dominance, status, and wealth.

    Academic text (1999)
  • While this definition helps insofar as gradual directional change is intrinsic to neo-Darwinian naturalism, biologists may still contest it because of an explicit valuation component: that of improvement.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Many biologists agree that the principles of neo-Darwinian evolution are crucial for understanding natural selection.

Surface Forms

neo-Darwinian positive

Morphology

neo-Darwinian = Darwinian + neo (transparent) = neo + Darwin + ian

The prefix 'neo-' ('new') is transparently added to 'Darwinian' to indicate a modern or updated form of Darwinian theory.

Etymology

Neo-Darwinian combines neo- (meaning 'new') and Darwinian (from Darwin, the scientist who explained evolution), so it literally means a 'new' version of Darwin's ideas. That's why neo-Darwinian describes the modern form of Darwin's theory that adds knowledge about genes and how populations change.