Evolution

Definition

• Evolution is a process leading to changes in the genetic material of a population over time.
• Reflects adaptation of organisms to changing environments.
• Results in altered genes, new traits, and potentially new species.
• Depends on changes in genetic variability and allele frequencies.

Scales of Evolution

• Microevolution
  • Involves changes in DNA sequences and allele frequencies within a species.
  • Sources include mutations and gene flow (breeding between different populations).
• Macroevolution
  • Involves large-scale changes leading to new species creation.
  • Results from accumulation of small microevolutionary changes.

Mechanisms Driving Evolution

• Natural Selection
  • Increases frequency of advantageous alleles.
  • Leads to organisms better adapted to survive and reproduce.
• Genetic Drift
  • Involves random fluctuations in allele frequencies.
  • Can result in a subpopulation becoming genetically distinct, potentially leading to speciation.

Further Exploration

• Concepts linked to evolution include:
  • Synteny, gene, trait, genotype, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, allele, speciation, allele frequency.
  • Genetic drift, sexual reproduction, neutral theory of evolution.

Related Topics

• Genetics, Cell Biology, Scientific Communication, Career Planning.

Further Reading

• Explore the links to additional resources in genetics and related fields to deepen understanding of microevolution and macroevolution processes.

Resources

• Nature Education's Scitable platform provided archived and detailed information on evolutionary processes and other scientific topics.