All Flashcards
Define 'Natural Selection'.
The process where individuals best adapted to their environment survive and pass on traits.
What is 'Evolution'?
The process of species changing over long periods as beneficial traits accumulate.
Define 'Heritable Traits'.
Traits that can be passed from parents to offspring.
What is 'Survival of the Fittest'?
Individuals best equipped to handle their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Define 'Adaptation'.
The process of becoming better suited to an environment.
What is 'Social Darwinism'?
A misapplication of Darwin's ideas to justify social and economic inequalities.
Define 'Racial Superiority'.
The belief that certain races are inherently superior to others.
What is 'Imperialism'?
Extending a country's power through colonization.
Define 'Eugenics'.
Improving the human race through selective breeding.
What is the 'White Man's Burden'?
The idea that white Europeans had a moral obligation to "civilize" other nations.
What were the causes and effects of Social Darwinism?
Cause: Misapplication of Darwin's ideas. Effect: Justification of racism, imperialism, and eugenics.
Who was Charles Darwin?
A British naturalist who developed the theory of natural selection.