mutation theory
/mjuːˈteɪʃn ˌθɪəri/Biology. Now historical
noun
A theory proposed by the Dutch biologist Hugo de Vries according to which new species arise by abrupt divergence from the parent type as a result of mutation.
- Some writers held that mutation theory was incompatible with Darwinism, while others argued that it merely extended or supplemented it..
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in The Botanical Gazette. From mutation + theory, after German Mutationstheorie.