Evolutionary Theory

Organic evolution refers to the gradual changes that occur in living organisms over time, resulting from variations in their heritable physical or behavioral traits. Evolutionary theory aims to answer two broad questions: how did different species arise, what mechanisms led to their divergence from a common ancestor, and how do species adapt and modify themselves over time in response to various environmental pressures.

Organisms are fitted to their environments through a process called adaptation. This process allows them to modify themselves over time in response to various environmental pressures, ensuring their survival and reproductive success.

The diversity of life on Earth is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, natural selection, and environmental changes. These factors shape the adaptation and modification of species over time, leading to the wide range of organisms we observe today.

<p>The existence of different species can be explained by the concept of diversity. Evolutionary theory suggests that species diverge from a common ancestor over time, through mechanisms such as genetic mutations, natural selection, and environmental changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The major pre-evolutionary ideas regarding species origin and diversity included the concept of special creation, which posited that each species was individually created by a divine being, and the idea of natural theology, which sought to explain the diversity of species based on a pre-determined plan or purpose.</p> Signup and view all the answers