lines of evolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lines of evolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the various pathways or developments in a particular field, such as biology, technology, or culture. Example: "The lines of evolution in this species reveal how environmental changes have shaped its adaptations over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Two types of molecule are found in gnathostomes a result, presumably, of a genetic duplication that established two lines of evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even though the lines of evolution remain to be discovered, it seems quite clear that the two groups evolved independently, the Chondrichthyes appearing much later than the Osteichthyes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The discovery of three new fossil specimens, announced Wednesday, is the most compelling evidence yet for multiple lines of evolution in our own genus, Homo, scientists said.

The New York Times - Science

It envisaged deep parallel lines of evolution in each inhabited region of Africa, Europe, Asia and Australasia, stretching from local variants of H. erectus right through to living people in the same areas today.

The Guardian

In the late 1970s American microbiologist Carl Woese pioneered a major change in classification by placing all organisms into three domains Eukarya, Bacteria (originally called Eubacteria), and Archaea (originally called Archaebacteria)—to reflect the three ancient lines of evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The close kinship between choanoflagellates and animals means that there once lived a single-celled ancestor that gave rise to two lines of evolution — one leading to the living choanoflagellates and the other to animals.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Along the second line of evolution of flies, Brachycera have from five to eight instars while the maggots of the most advanced flies (Cyclorrhapha) have only three.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These have a history and a line of evolution of their own, which can be traced from the Pyu stupa to the huge structural temple.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In South America the buzzardlike harpy eagle represents a climax of one line of evolution filled in the Old World by large booted eagles such as crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, when an intersection occurs, a new idea represents a radical change, or beginning of a new line of evolution.

Visualization in Engineering

There is no "main line" of evolution on the map; all groups radiate from the center so as to avoid a predominant direction of movement.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the diversification of species or traits, use "lines of evolution" to highlight distinct developmental pathways.

Common error

Be cautious not to present "lines of evolution" as strictly linear. Emphasize branching and convergence where applicable, as evolution is rarely a straight path.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines of evolution" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition or verb. It describes distinct pathways or trajectories in the development of species or traits, highlighting diversification and adaptation, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lines of evolution" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe distinct pathways in the development of species or traits. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily in formal and scientific contexts, often found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While semantically sound, remember to emphasize the branching and convergent aspects of evolution, avoiding an oversimplified linear representation. Common alternatives include "evolutionary pathways" and "developmental trajectories". The sources confirm that its usage is appropriate in scientific and educational discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolutionary pathways

Focuses on the path or route that evolution takes.

evolutionary lineages

Emphasizes the ancestral sequence leading to a particular organism or trait.

developmental trajectories

Highlights the direction and course of development over time.

evolutionary trends

Refers to the general direction of evolutionary change.

phylogenetic branches

Specific to the branching patterns in the evolutionary tree.

courses of evolution

Similar to pathways, but emphasizes the sequence of events.

evolutionary progressions

Focuses on the step-by-step advancements in evolution.

developmental routes

Highlights the paths that development can take.

evolutionary streams

Metaphorically refers to evolution as a flowing current.

phylogenetic routes

Highlights evolutionary routes.

FAQs

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

You can use "lines of evolution" to discuss how different species or traits have developed along distinct pathways. For example, "The study explores the different "lines of evolution" that led to the diversity of beak shapes in finches."

What's a simpler way to say "lines of evolution"?

Depending on the context, you can use simpler alternatives like "evolutionary pathways" or "developmental trajectories".

Is it correct to refer to a single 'line of evolution'?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. You can refer to a single "line of evolution" when discussing a specific lineage or path of development. However, be aware that this might oversimplify the branching nature of evolution.

How does "lines of evolution" differ from "evolutionary tree"?

"Lines of evolution" refers to specific pathways of development, while "evolutionary tree" represents the broader relationships and branching patterns among all organisms. The former is more specific than the latter.