DARWINISM Meaning and
Definition
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Darwinism refers to the set of theories and hypotheses that emerged from the work of Charles Darwin, a British naturalist and biologist, particularly his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. Darwinism primarily revolves around the concept of evolution, which posits that living organisms have gradually developed and diversified over time through a process of natural selection.
At its core, Darwinism asserts that all species, including humans, have descended from a common ancestor and have evolved through the preservation of advantageous traits and the elimination of undesirable ones. Natural selection, a central tenet of Darwinism, suggests that the individuals within a population who possess traits most suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these advantageous traits to subsequent generations.
Darwinism also emphasizes the role of variation and heredity in the evolutionary process. It proposes that random mutations and genetic recombination generate diversity within a population, allowing species to adapt and survive in changing environments.
The principles of Darwinism have had a profound impact on various scientific fields such as biology, anthropology, and paleontology, shaping our understanding of the origins and diversity of life on Earth. However, Darwinism has also been subject to scrutiny and debates due to its potential implications for social, political, and religious ideologies, particularly regarding human evolution and the existence of a Creator.
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The doctrine of the origin of species, taught by Charles Darwin and expounded by him in his various works; the central assumptions are evolution by natural selection and survival of the fittest.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of DARWINISM
The word "Darwinism" was coined in the 1870s and refers to the body of evolutionary theories developed by Charles Darwin, particularly his theory of natural selection. The term itself derives from Darwin's last name, "Darwin", and the suffix "-ism", which is used to denote a system or belief. Darwinism reflects the ideas and principles set forth by Darwin, such as the concept of common descent, gradualism, and the survival of the fittest. It has become synonymous with the broader field of evolutionary biology and has had a significant impact on various scientific disciplines.
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