agent of evolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agent of evolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about biology, ecology, or evolutionary theory to refer to factors that drive evolutionary change. Example: "Natural selection acts as a powerful agent of evolution, shaping the traits of species over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As the grandson of Thomas Henry Huxley, Charles Darwin's champion, Huxley carried on the tradition by writing about the modern synthesis and popularizing Darwin's ideas, especially natural selection as the prime agent of evolution.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In addition, Integral thinking and analysis provides insights into how we are evolving as a species, how that evolution dove-tails with our planet's evolution, and finally, how we collectively (in the broadest sense) begin to realize that each one of us is an agent of evolution.

Huffington Post

This is why I began to reenvision the very goal of the spiritual path, seeing the purpose of enlightenment as not merely to transcend the world, as I had been taught, but to transform the world through becoming an agent of evolution itself.

Huffington Post

The process of gene duplication in microbes as the agent of evolution of novel gene functions is being studied by many scientific groups today e.g. [ 4- 7].

Biology Direct

Darwin's second major work, the 1871 Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, focused in large part on sexual selection, another agent of evolution that he realized was theoretically necessary to explain features like the peacock's tail (Darwin stated in a letter to Asa Grey: "The sight of a peacock's tail, whenever I gaze at it, makes me sick!").

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was one of two agents of evolution that Lamarck proposed.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Of course mechanisms thought of as defense might alternatively (or also) aid TEs as beneficial agents of evolution.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Viruses actively move between biomes and are thought to be major agents of evolution by virtue of their capacity to operate as vehicles of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) [ 5].

Biology Direct

So whereas natural selection – or "survival selection," as it is perhaps more accurately described – is explicitly non-agentic, as stressed by its proponents like Coyne and Dawkins, sexual selection relies on minds as agents of evolution.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

So it's imperative, if you want to be an agent of conscious evolution, to bring the light of awareness to the collective ego within yourself.

Huffington Post

More than six decades ago, J. B. S. Haldane inferred from simple ecological observations that host-pathogen interactions must be a unique and powerful driving agent of adaptive evolution (Haldane 1949).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary processes, use "agent of evolution" to specifically denote entities or forces that actively cause or influence these processes. Be precise in identifying what constitutes the agent within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "agent of evolution" too broadly; ensure that the identified agent has a direct and demonstrable impact on evolutionary change, rather than merely being correlated with it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agent of evolution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific entity or force that actively causes or influences evolutionary change. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agent of evolution" is a grammatically correct term primarily used in scientific and news contexts to describe factors that actively drive evolutionary processes. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this usage. While less frequent in everyday language, its meaning is precise and crucial in discussions about biology and evolutionary theory. Alternatives like "driving force behind evolution" or "catalyst for evolutionary change" can provide varied emphasis. Remember to use the term appropriately, ensuring the identified agent has a direct impact on evolutionary change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving force behind evolution

Emphasizes the causative power influencing evolutionary change.

driver of evolutionary processes

Similar to "driving force", highlighting causation in evolution.

engine of evolutionary change

Uses a metaphor to describe something that powers evolutionary transformation.

catalyst for evolutionary change

Highlights the role of accelerating or initiating evolutionary processes.

evolutionary determinant

Points to a factor that decisively shapes the outcome of evolution.

source of evolutionary innovation

Focuses on the origin of new traits or adaptations through evolution.

mechanism of evolutionary adaptation

Focuses on specific processes through which evolution occurs.

promoter of evolutionary adaptation

Stresses the support and advancement of evolutionary changes.

factor influencing evolution

A broader term indicating any element affecting evolutionary trajectories.

evolutionary influencer

Highlights something or someone that affects the development of evolution.

FAQs

How can I use "agent of evolution" in a sentence?

You can use "agent of evolution" to describe factors that drive evolutionary change. For example, "Natural selection is a powerful "agent of evolution".".

What is a more common alternative to "agent of evolution"?

While "agent of evolution" is correct, alternatives like "driving force behind evolution" or "catalyst for evolutionary change" might be more frequently used.

Is it correct to say "agency of evolution" instead of "agent of evolution"?

While "agency" can imply the capacity to act, "agency of evolution" is less common. "Agent of evolution" is more frequently used to denote a specific entity causing change.

What's the difference between "agent of evolution" and "factor influencing evolution"?

"Agent of evolution" suggests a more active role in driving change, whereas "factor influencing evolution" is a broader term that includes elements that may only indirectly affect evolutionary trajectories.