Darwinism
[ dahr-wuh-niz-uh m ]
/ ˈdɑr wəˌnɪz əm /
noun
the Darwinian theory that species originate by descent, with variation, from parent forms, through the natural selection of those individuals best adapted for the reproductive success of their kind.
Related forms
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British Dictionary definitions for darwinistic
Darwinism
Darwinian theory
/ (ˈdɑːwɪˌnɪzəm) /
noun
the theory of the origin of animal and plant species by evolution through a process of natural selectionCompare Lamarckism See also Neo-Darwinism
Derived Forms
Darwinist or Darwinite, noun, adjectiveDarwinistic, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for darwinistic
Darwinism
[ där′wĭ-nĭz′əm ]
n.
A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for darwinistic
Darwinism
[ där′wĭ-nĭz′əm ]
A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. Darwin's ideas have been refined and modified by subsequent researchers, but his theories still form the foundation of the scientific understanding of the evolution of life. Darwinism is often contrasted with another theory of biological evolution called Lamarckism, based on the now-discredited ideas of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. See Note at evolution.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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