Modern evolutionary synthesis

When Darwin published his work on evolution based on natural selection there was much that was not known about the biology of inheritance.

Since the publication of The Origin of Species biologists have discovered much about how traits are passed between parents and offspring. Most importantly the bulk of this work has been in the area of genetics. Since the genes are how characteristics are passed to offspring an understanding of genetics is crucial to an understanding of evolution.

The modern synthesis was arrived at during the 1930s and 1940s, and its principal claims form the foundations of modern evolutionary biology. Since then further work involving genetics, molecular evolution and animal behaviour has further extended evolutionary theory.

Other names for (or types of) Modern evolutionary synthesis include:

• Evolutionary synthesis
• Neo-darwinism

Related terms

• Cryptic speciation
• Darwinism
• Lamarckism

Related groups of terms

• General biology

See other words beginning with M