Genetic Mechanisms Evolved Into The Theory Of Evolution By Natural Selection

Evolution in its most basic sense is change over time (Coyne 3). Biological evolution deals with the change that occurs in all life through successive generations. Evolution gives rise to a vast number of species and great diversity, down to the molecular level. These changes are, for the most part, beneficial to the organism. The theory of evolution is a result of a formulated scientific theory made mostly by Charles Darwin. Over time more mechanisms have been integrated into the theory of evolution. The theory of evolution is evident through natural selection, various genetic mechanisms, and biased mutation. Natural selection is a process in which, over time, traits that allow for better survival and reproduction become more common

Over time, the red bugs continue to reproduce and the black bugs eventually die off, leaving only red bugs. When the offspring are more than the number of organisms that can survive in a given area, there is a competition between organisms for survival and reproduction. The organisms with traits better suited for survival are most likely to pass on their traits (reproduce) than those less suited for survival (Evolution 101). Natural selection follows a few simple observable facts such as differential fitness, phenotypic variation, and heritability of fitness. Differential fitness, the different rates of survival and reproduction for different traits, shows that organisms with traits shown to be less suitable for the environment are more likely to die off. Likewise, organisms whose traits are shown to be better suited to the given environment are more likely to survive and eventually reproduce. Phenotypic variation is the variation present between populations of organisms with respect to morphology (structure and form), physiology (functions of living organisms and their parts), and their behavior. Heritability of fitness is the

This “fusion” of studies and widely accepted ideas is called the modern evolutionary synthesis, also known as neo-darwinism. Evolution occurs when the alleles within a population of organisms that interbreed experience a change in frequencies. For example, when alleles for a certain color pattern (pigmentation) in a species of fish change, the outcome can become more common in later generations. Gene flow involves exchange between populations and species, it is an important source of genetic variation (evolution 101). A great example of gene flow is observed during spring when pollen from different trees and/or plants are blown to other trees and plants (sometimes plants/trees of different species). Constant gene flow between two populations can reduce genetic variations because their gene pools mix together. Reducing genetic variation is not necessarily a bad thing, just like increasing genetic variation is not necessarily a good thing. the constant mix of gene pools “patches up” each population’s gene deficiencies and/or differences. While this is not a bad thing, it does work against speciation, the process in which new species emerge. The concept of species changes with the situations it is applied to, dealing mostly with sexual and asexual reproduction. For example, if a