What is the Difference Between Darwinism and Neo Darwinism?

The main difference between Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism lies in the type of variation and natural selection. Darwinism, proposed by Charles Darwin, is the evolution theory of species advanced by natural selection. It states that advantageous phenotypic differences that can be passed down are the driving force of speciation. Neo-Darwinism, on the other hand, is a modern interpretation of Darwin's theory that incorporates genetics. It states that only genetic variants may be passed down and that the main driving force of speciation is genetic variation.

Some key differences between Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism include:

• Adaptation: Darwinism focuses on the original theory of adaptation through natural selection, while Neo-Darwinism is an altered version of the theory based on the modern synthesis of natural selection and Mendelian genetics.
• Main Driving Force: In Darwinism, the main driving force is the collection of phenotypic variations, while in Neo-Darwinism, the main driving force is the collection of genetic variations.
• Natural Selection: Darwinism emphasizes the survival of the fittest and the removal of unfit entities over time. Neo-Darwinism, however, relates to genetic variation only and focuses on the role of genetic variation in driving speciation.

In summary, Darwinism focuses on the role of phenotypic variations in driving speciation, while Neo-Darwinism emphasizes the importance of genetic variations in this process.

Comparative Table: Darwinism vs Neo Darwinism

Here is a table highlighting the differences between Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism:

Darwinism is the original theory proposed by Charles Darwin, focusing primarily on natural selection as the driving force of evolution. On the other hand, Neo-Darwinism is a modern interpretation of Darwin's theory, incorporating discoveries in genetics and emphasizing the role of genetic variations, mutations, and reproductive isolation in the process of speciation.