The theory which holds natural selection, as explained by Darwin, to be the chief factor in the evolution of plants and animals, and denies the inheritance of acquired characters; -- esp. opposed to Neo-Lamarckism. Weismannism is an example of extreme Neo-Darwinism.
Term used to describe newer version of Darwinism, which includes concepts of modern genetics.
a modern Darwinian theory that explains new species in terms of genetic mutations
The modern version of the Darwinian theory of evolution by natural selection. It differs from Darwin's theory in that it denies the possibility of Lamarckian inheritance (q.v.); heredity is explained in terms of genes passed on by Mendelian inheritance (q.v.). Genes mutate at random, and the proportions of alternative versions of genes, or alleles, within a population are influenced by natural selection. In its most extreme form, neo-Darwinism reduces evolution to changes of gene frequencies in populations.
A modified version of Darwin's evolutionary theory that eliminates elements of the Lamarckian inheritance of acquired characteristics and pangenesis that were present in Darwin's formulation; this theory originated with August Weissmann in the late nineteenth century and, after incorporating Mendelian genetic principles, has become the currently favored version of Darwinian evolutionary theory.
based largely on Darwinism (the evolutionary theory/belief initially advanced by Charles Darwin [mid-19th century], suggesting that present-day species have evolved from simpler ancestors), Neo-Darwinism was a mid-20th century adaptation (sometimes called “synthesis” or “modern synthesis”) of Darwinism to accommodate a significantly more accurate understanding of genetics than was present in Darwin’s original theory, it’s popularity among the day’s intelligentsia notwithstanding. Invoking a “mechanism” of mutations combined with natural selection, Neo-Darwinism has been the predominant model among evolutionists for the past 150 years.
the post-Darwinian concept that species evolve by the natural selection of adaptive phenotypes caused by mutant genes
A synthesis of Darwinism with the mechanisms of genetics; the idea that adaptation equals a combination of variation, heredity, and selection.
The merger of classical Darwinian evolution with population genetics.
The modern synthesis of Darwin's theory of natural selection and Mendel's theories of inheritance.
Macroevolution by natural selection of accidental mutations, slowly over long periods of time. This is not observed and not testable, but does have a postulated method. What is observed is no change in form and structure in the fossil record.
(1) Darwin's theory of natural selection plus Mendelian inheritance. (2) The larger body of evolutionary thought that was inspired by the unification of natural selection and Mendelism. A synonym of the modern synthesis.
