neoDarwinian

NeoDarwinian refers to the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory that emerged in the mid-20th century. It integrated Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection with Gregor Mendel's principles of genetics. Prior to this synthesis, Darwin's ideas lacked a clear understanding of heredity and variation, while Mendelian genetics, though providing these mechanisms, did not fully explain how gradual change led to the diversity of life.

The neo-Darwinian synthesis posits that evolution occurs through the accumulation of genetic mutations, which introduce variation into a population. These variations are then acted upon by natural selection, where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous genes to their offspring. Over long periods, this process can lead to significant evolutionary changes, including the formation of new species.

Key components of neo-Darwinism include the understanding that genes are the units of heredity, that mutations are the primary source of new genetic variation, and that natural selection is the main driving force behind adaptation and speciation. This framework has been immensely successful in explaining a wide range of biological phenomena and continues to be the foundation of modern evolutionary biology, though it has also been refined and expanded upon with discoveries in fields like molecular biology and developmental biology.