What doctrine posits that natural selection is the main driver of evolution?

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The doctrine that posits natural selection as the main driver of evolution is Darwinism. This concept, introduced by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, emphasizes that species evolve over time through the process of natural selection. In this process, individuals that possess traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to future generations. As such, Darwinism provides a foundational framework for understanding how organisms adapt and evolve in response to their ecological niches.

In contrast, other doctrines mentioned do not focus primarily on natural selection. For example, Creationism is based on religious beliefs regarding the origin of life and does not incorporate scientific principles of evolution. Genetic Drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can contribute to evolution but is not driven by natural selection. Mutation Theory emphasizes the role of mutations in generating genetic diversity, which is important for evolution but, again, does not assert that natural selection is the primary mechanism. Thus, Darwinism is distinctly recognized for its central role in framing the theory of evolution through the lens of natural selection.

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