Define Evolution and Explain How Genetic Variation and Natural Selection

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The Answer is Evolution is the process by which species change over time, often resulting in the development of new species. This change occurs through the accumulation of genetic variations within a population, which can be caused by mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow.

Genetic variation is the diversity of alleles (different forms of a gene) within a population. This variation is essential for evolution because it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their impact on an organism's survival and reproductive success.

When individuals with certain genetic variations have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing, those variations become more prevalent in the population over time. This is because they are passed on to the next generation, leading to an increase in the frequency of the advantageous traits. This process of natural selection leads to the adaptation of a population to its environment, as individuals with traits that are better suited to their surroundings are more likely to survive and pass on their genes.

In summary, genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, and natural selection leads to the adaptation of populations to their environments. This process of adaptation is a key mechanism in the evolution of species.

Define Evolution and Explain How Genetic Variation and Natural Selection

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