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Study Notes

Evolution

Evolution is the process by which species change over time. It involves changes in gene frequency within populations from generation to generation. There are several mechanisms driving this change including: natural selection, genetic drift, speciation, and evidence supporting the theory.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population over time due to their impact on an organism's ability to survive and reproduce. This can happen through several means:

Survival advantage: Traits that increase survival rates are favored as they lead to more offspring.
Reproductive success: Traits that enhance reproductive capabilities will be passed down if they help individuals produce more offspring.
Random variation: Occasionally, there are small differences among individuals within populations. These variations can result from mutations, genetic recombination, or gene flow from other populations.

Genetic Drift

Genetic drift occurs when allele frequencies change randomly from generation to generation. It doesn't depend on natural selection but can still drive significant evolution. It is more likely to occur in small populations and can lead to changes in gene frequencies that may be beneficial, neutral, or detrimental.

Speciation

Speciation is the process by which new species evolve from a common ancestor. It can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including:

Allopatric speciation: speciation occurring when populations become geographically isolated.
Sympatric speciation: speciation occurring in the same geographic area.
Parapatric speciation: speciation occurring in areas where the potential for interbreeding exists, but actual interbreeding between populations is rare.

Evidence of Evolution

The evidence supporting the theory of evolution is extensive and includes:

Fossil record: A fossil record helps show the change in species over long periods of time.
Comparative anatomy: Comparing anatomical structures across different species can provide evidence of common ancestry.
DNA sequence comparisons: Comparing DNA sequences can reveal the relationships between different species.
Biogeography: The distribution of species across geographic areas can provide evidence of speciation.
Adaptive radiation: The diversification of species from a common ancestor in response to ecological opportunities.

Adaptive Radiation

Adaptive radiation is a process of speciation where populations rapidly diversify due to ecological opportunities. This often occurs in response to environmental changes, such as a new island geography or changes in climate. An example of this can be found in Darwin's finches on Galapagos Islands.

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