Difference between revisions of "Evolution"
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| − | The natural change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, [[natural selection]], and genetic drift. | + | The natural change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation, by such processes as mutation, [[natural selection]], and genetic drift. |
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| + | The inheritable characteristics are passed on from parent to offspring during reproduction. Different characteristics tend to exist within any given population as a result of mutation, genetic recombination and other sources of genetic variation, resulting in certain characteristics becoming more common or rare within a population. It is this process of evolution that has given rise to biodiversity at every level of biological organization, including the levels of species, individual organisms and molecules. | ||
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| + | '''Example''': All life on [[Earth]] shared a last universal common ancestor that lived approximately [[Dawn of time|3.5–3.8 billion years ago]]. <br> Existing patterns of biodiversity have been shaped by repeated formations of new species (speciation), changes within species (anagenesis) and loss of species (extinction) throughout the evolutionary history of life on Earth. | ||
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[[Category:Medical]] | [[Category:Medical]] | ||
[[Category:Biological Terminology]] | [[Category:Biological Terminology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:58, 23 June 2022
The natural change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation, by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
The inheritable characteristics are passed on from parent to offspring during reproduction. Different characteristics tend to exist within any given population as a result of mutation, genetic recombination and other sources of genetic variation, resulting in certain characteristics becoming more common or rare within a population. It is this process of evolution that has given rise to biodiversity at every level of biological organization, including the levels of species, individual organisms and molecules.
Example: All life on Earth shared a last universal common ancestor that lived approximately 3.5–3.8 billion years ago.
Existing patterns of biodiversity have been shaped by repeated formations of new species (speciation), changes within species (anagenesis) and loss of species (extinction) throughout the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
