Evolution is the process by which living organisms change over time through the inheritance of genetic variations across generations. It explains the diversity of life on Earth and how species adapt to their environments. The theory of evolution by natural selection was proposed by Charles Darwin and is a fundamental concept in biology.
Examples of evolution
The main mechanisms of evolution include:
- Natural Selection: Organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
- Genetic Drift: Random changes in gene frequencies within a population
- Gene Flow: Transfer of genes between populations through migration
- Mutation: Random changes in DNA that introduce new genetic variations
- Sexual Selection: Traits that increase mating success become more common in a population
- Adaptation: The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment over time
Evidence supporting evolution:
- Fossil record: Shows changes in species over time and transitional forms
- Comparative anatomy: Similar structures in different species suggest common ancestry
- Embryology: Similarities in early development stages of different species
- Molecular biology: DNA and protein similarities between species indicate relatedness
- Biogeography: Distribution of species across the globe aligns with evolutionary history
- Observed instances: Direct observation of evolution in fast-reproducing organisms like bacteria
Speciation process:
- Geographic isolation: Physical separation of populations
- Genetic divergence: Accumulation of genetic differences between isolated populations
- Reproductive isolation: Development of barriers to interbreeding
- Allopatric speciation: New species form in geographically isolated populations
- Sympatric speciation: New species form without geographic isolation, often due to polyploidy in plants
- Adaptive radiation: Rapid diversification of species to fill different ecological niches
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