Evolution Biology

Evolution

Overview

• Evolution is the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor through the process of natural selection
• It explains how living organisms have changed over time through the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next

Key Concepts

• Species: a group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
• Population: a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific geographic area
• Variation: the presence of different characteristics or traits within a population
• Adaptation: a characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment
• Natural Selection: the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring

Mechanisms of Evolution

• Mutation: a change in the DNA sequence of an organism, can result in new traits
• Gene Flow: the movement of genes from one population to another, can lead to genetic changes
• Genetic Drift: the random change in the frequency of a gene or genetic trait in a population over time
• Gene Duplication: the process by which a gene is copied, allowing for the creation of new genes with new functions

Evidence for Evolution

• Fossil Record: the chronological record of fossils shows the gradual changes in life forms over time
• Comparative Anatomy: the study of the structure and development of body parts in different species reveals similarities and homologies
• Molecular Biology: the study of DNA and proteins shows similarities and differences between species
• Biogeography: the study of the geographic distribution of species shows patterns that can be explained by evolution

Types of Evolution

• Microevolution: the process of evolutionary change within a population or species
• Macroevolution: the process of evolutionary change above the species level, resulting in the formation of new species
• Co-evolution: the process of evolutionary change in two or more species that interact with each other

Evolution Overview

• Evolution is the scientifically supported theory that all species of life have developed from a common ancestor through natural selection.

Key Concepts

• Species: a group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
• Population: a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific geographic area.
• Variation: the presence of different characteristics or traits within a population.
• Adaptation: a characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
• Natural Selection: the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring.

Mechanisms of Evolution

• Mutation: a change in the DNA sequence of an organism, resulting in new traits.
• Gene Flow: the movement of genes from one population to another, leading to genetic changes.
• Genetic Drift: the random change in the frequency of a gene or genetic trait in a population over time.
• Gene Duplication: the process by which a gene is copied, allowing for the creation of new genes with new functions.

Evidence for Evolution

• Fossil Record: the chronological record of fossils shows the gradual changes in life forms over time.
• Comparative Anatomy: the study of the structure and development of body parts in different species reveals similarities and homologies.
• Molecular Biology: the study of DNA and proteins shows similarities and differences between species.
• Biogeography: the study of the geographic distribution of species shows patterns that can be explained by evolution.

Types of Evolution

• Microevolution: the process of evolutionary change within a population or species.
• Macroevolution: the process of evolutionary change above the species level, resulting in the formation of new species.
• Co-evolution: the process of evolutionary change in two or more species that interact with each other.