an evolutionary problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an evolutionary problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing challenges or issues related to evolution, biology, or adaptation. Example: "The researchers are investigating an evolutionary problem that affects the survival of certain species in changing environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

These parasites have turned an evolutionary problem (being killed along with their host) into an evolutionary opportunity (being transferred to the predator and continuing to feed).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The process is a solution to an evolutionary problem: how a mammal can walk upright, which requires a small, fixed, bony pelvis, and also possess a large brain, which entails a baby whose head is too big to fit through that small pelvis.

The New Yorker

I had started out working with Roger Batten on fossil snails, publishing my first paper on an evolutionary problem in 1968.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Your local paper may not identify HIV or SARS as an evolutionary problem, but when such topics make headlines or become locally relevant, you can bring the evolution behind the headlines into your own classroom.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Altruistic anti-predatory behaviours pose an evolutionary problem because they are costly to the actor and beneficial to the recipients.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Unfortunately, even when medical practitioners recognize the spread of resistance as an evolutionary problem, they seldom consider how an understanding of evolutionary biology might be of further use.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A similar approach, applied to an associated evolutionary problem, is exploited for detecting the linear stability of the solution.

Boundary Value Problems

The existence of numerous alternative, non-homologous enzyme isoforms presents an interesting evolutionary problem; it also complicates genome-based reconstruction of the metabolic pathways in a variety of organisms.

Biology Direct

This aspect of honey bee dances presents an interesting evolutionary problem: if the function of the dance is to direct nestmates to the location of food and other resources, why has inaccuracy in the indication of the direction of those resources persisted?

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

Restoring Archaeopteryx to the avian family tree solves a thorny evolutionary problem that emerged when it was removed.

The New York Times - Science

Overall, the construct of a novice evolutionary problem solver is problematic given the diversity of cognitive representations and strategies documented among individuals in our study.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary biology, use "an evolutionary problem" to refer to specific scientific questions that require investigation, such as the persistence of genetic variation or the development of antibiotic resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "an evolutionary problem" loosely to describe any challenge faced by a species. It typically refers to a specific scientific question or paradox within the framework of evolutionary theory, not just any difficulty a species encounters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an evolutionary problem" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific challenge or question within the field of evolutionary biology. It's used to frame a topic of scientific inquiry, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase highlights issues needing further research.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an evolutionary problem" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a specific scientific question or challenge within evolutionary biology. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is primarily within formal scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood and utilized in academic and scientific discourse. When writing, use it to refer to well-defined questions in evolutionary theory rather than general difficulties faced by species. The phrase often frames a discussion or investigation, and you can replace it with alternatives like "a challenge in evolutionary biology" or "a puzzle of evolution".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenge in evolutionary biology

Focuses specifically on challenges within the scientific discipline of evolutionary biology.

a puzzle of evolution

Highlights the perplexing or mysterious aspect of certain evolutionary phenomena.

a question in evolutionary theory

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect and the need for further investigation within evolutionary studies.

an obstacle in evolutionary adaptation

Highlights an impedance for certain species in their adaptation to enviromental changing.

a complex evolutionary dynamic

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of evolutionary processes.

an unsolved evolutionary question

Highlights the fact that the evolutionary aspect remains unresolved.

a difficulty in understanding evolution

Focuses on challenges in the understanding and interpretation of evolutionary processes.

a critical evolutionary hurdle

Highlights a major obstacle or barrier in the course of evolution.

a controversy in evolutionary science

Focuses on a debate or disagreement within the field of evolutionary science.

a bottleneck in the evolutionary process

Highlights a critical stage or point where the evolutionary process is significantly constrained or limited.

FAQs

How is "an evolutionary problem" typically addressed in scientific research?

Scientists address "an evolutionary problem" by formulating hypotheses, gathering empirical data, and using mathematical models to test these hypotheses within the framework of evolutionary theory. These efforts often involve genetics, ecology, and paleontology.

What are some examples of "an evolutionary problem"?

Examples of "an evolutionary problem" include the evolution of altruism, the maintenance of genetic variation in the face of selection, and the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Another example is "the transition from water to land".

How does "an evolutionary problem" differ from "an environmental problem"?

"An evolutionary problem" refers to a challenge or question within evolutionary biology, while "an environmental problem" refers to issues related to the environment, such as pollution or deforestation. While related, they focus on different aspects of biology and ecology.

What's a simpler way to describe "an evolutionary problem"?

You could describe "an evolutionary problem" as "an evolutionary challenge" or "an evolutionary puzzle", which are less formal and more accessible ways to convey the same meaning.