Herbert Spencer believed that societies evolved from lower to higher forms because as generations pass, the most capable and intelligent members of society prosper while the less capable die out. Spencer referred to this process as .

Spencer referred to this process as survival of the fittest.

Explanation:

Many people believe it was Charles Darwin who coined the expression "survival of the fittest", but it was in fact English philosopher Herbert Spencer. Spencer developed a form of social Darwinism - even though he coined the term before Darwin published his famous book -, defending that those who are fittest - stronger, healthier and more capable of adaptation - survive while the worst fitted die. Spencer believed governments would be doing a disservice to society by helping the old and sick, since they would be helping those who should normally die so that society can evolve and prosper.

answer; decreased;