Darwin often used the phrase "_[blank]_" to suggest that species must have descended from preexisting species and that changes in the species took place over long periods of time

on the origin of species

descent with modification

descent with differential reproduction

survival of the fittest

The answer is descent with modification.

Descent with modification practically means that a species have changed appearance wise over long periods of time to adapt to their environments better.

Descent with modification

Explanation:

Darwin proposed the phrase "descent with modification" to explain that evolution of new species occurs when existing species accumulate genetic variation over the period of time.

Accordingly, the process of accumulation of genetic variations to get better adapted to the surroundings is followed by natural selection of individuals with beneficial adaptations that impact survival advantage to them. These individuals transmit the adaptations to their progeny.

Gradually, the process leads to the evolution of new species which differ from parental species in having the individuals carrying the beneficial adaptations.