The Modern Synthesis (Julian Huxley)

The Modern Synthesis, developed by Julian Huxley and others in the early 20th century, is the integrated understanding of evolution. It combines Darwin’s idea of natural selection with Mendel’s genetics, explaining how traits are inherited and how populations change over time. Essentially, it shows that genetic variation within a population, combined with natural selection, drives adaptation and evolution. This synthesis bridged earlier biological theories, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding how species evolve through genetic changes influenced by environmental pressures.