Saltationism. Called the " hopeful monster " theory. Long refuted. Mutation is the grist to the mill of natural selection but in and of itself will not result in new species.
With more individuals reproducing there will be more varied mutations that will occur. This gives nature more to work with in selecting survivors in changing environments. When species are reduced to fewer and fewer individuals there are fewer mutations for nature to choose from for survival and and the species may go extinct in a changing environment.
After observing nature for some time, Darwin came to believe in natural selection causing a change in the evolution of species.
Doubtful. Aside from a fluke copying error the mutations in germ line cells of the older father are, statistically, much more likely to be deleterious in nature, swamping any beneficial mutations along for the ride.
Most mutations occur in the DNA of an organism, specifically in the genes. Mutations are primarily random in nature, meaning they can happen spontaneously and are not typically influenced by external factors.
primary succession
Gene mutations may have positive or negative effects. Without "positive" gene mutations, a species would not be able to improve itself over time, in order to make it more it more adaptable to its environment. "Negative" gene mutations, by their very nature and definition, tend not to be able to survive in their environment.
There is a vast amount of variation in nature, as organisms are subject to genetic mutations, environmental influences, and natural selection. This variation allows species to adapt to different habitats and ecological niches, promoting biodiversity and resilience in ecosystems.
The belief is referred to as pantheism.
Darwin referred to individuals that expressed mutations as variations or variants in his theory of evolution.
The diversity seen in nature is due to a combination of genetic variation, environmental factors, and natural selection. Over time, these factors lead to the adaptation and evolution of species, resulting in a wide range of different traits and characteristics.
he Shinto belief of man's harmony with nature.
You would call such a belief a heresy. Depending on the nature of the belief, it might also be called blasphemy.