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    evolution

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    evolution
    ev‧o‧lu‧tion AC /ˌiːvəˈluːʃən, ˌevə- $ ˌevə-/ noun [uncountable]
     Word Family: verb: evolve; noun: evolution; adjective: evolutionary
    1. the scientific idea that plants and animals develop and change gradually over a long period of time
        evolution of
        the evolution of mammals
        the theory of evolution
    2. the gradual change and development of an idea, situation, or object
        evolution of
        the evolution of the computer
         
    COLLOCATIONS
    (for Meaning 1)
    ■ verbs
       ▪ evolution happens/takes place (also evolution occurs formal) We can see signs of evolution taking place in the world around us.
       ▪ trace something's evolution (=find the origins of when an animal, plant etc began or where it came from) Anthropologists can trace the evolution of plants and animals by examining fossils.
    ■ adjectives
       ▪ human evolution Our ancestors reached a key stage in human evolution when they began to stand up straight.
       ▪ biological evolution Every living creature has been formed by the slow process of biological evolution.
       ▪ physical evolution The environment plays a large part in the physical evolution of the species.
       ▪ Darwinian evolution (=based on the ideas of Charles Darwin) He expounded the theory that language is the product of Darwinian evolution.
    ■ phrases
       ▪ the theory of evolution Many Christians find it impossible to accept Darwin's theory of evolution.
         
    COLLOCATIONS
    (for Meaning 2)
    ■ adjectives
       ▪ gradual/continuous evolution The social system is undergoing continuous evolution to adapt to these rapid changes.
       ▪ cultural/social evolution Neither cultural or social evolution is any guarantee that we are moving towards a better world.
       ▪ political evolution Prime Minister Nehru played a significant role in the political evolution of India.
       ▪ technological evolution The pace of technological evolution is getting faster all the time.
    ■ verbs
       ▪ evolution takes place (also evolution occurs formal) (=happens) A similar evolution was taking place in other great American cities.
       ▪ trace something's evolution (=find the origins of when something began or where it came from) The show traced the evolution of black American music from gospel through soul to hip-hop