Neo - Darwinism is

Options

A. natural selection theory
B. modern mutation theory
C. modern synthetic theory
D. Population theory

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Neo-Darwinism**: Neo-Darwinism is an evolutionary theory that combines Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection with Gregor Mendel's principles of genetics. This integration is essential to understand how traits are inherited and how they contribute to evolution.

2. **Natural Selection**: Darwin's theory of natural selection posits that organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept is fundamental to the process of evolution.

3. **Mendelian Genetics**: Gregor Mendel's work on inheritance laid the groundwork for understanding how traits are passed from one generation to the next. His principles of segregation and independent assortment explain how genetic variation occurs.

4. **Modern Synthetic Theory**: Neo-Darwinism is often referred to as the Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution. This term reflects the synthesis of Darwinian natural selection and Mendelian genetics, creating a more comprehensive understanding of evolution.

5. **Why 'Synthetic'?**: The term 'synthetic' indicates that this theory is not merely a copy of previous ideas but a new framework that combines and renews them. It integrates various biological disciplines to provide a more complete picture of evolutionary processes.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, Neo-Darwinism is best described as the Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution, which incorporates both Darwin's and Mendel's contributions to explain how evolution occurs.