Theory Of Natural Selection And Genetic Drift - 1323 Words

Evolution is the process in which various living organisms developed and diversified over time. The study of evolution is important because it helps understand how species adapt to changing environments. Evolution has been studied over time by observing populations when they undergo evolutionary mechanisms such as natural selection or genetic drift. Charles Darwin came up with the theory of natural selection. Darwin believed that living organisms tended to survive and produce more offspring when they were better adapted to their environment. Apart from natural selection, genetic drift was also an important mechanism. Genetic drift occurs when the gene variant changes due to the random testing of organisms. Populations of organisms change over time because of natural selection and genetic drift. The Hardy-Weinberg equation is used to observe whether a specific trait within a population is changing or not. A null- hypothesis is provided by the Hardy- Weinberg equation that can be compa red to a straightforward observation of a population. The Hardy-Weinberg equation only remains true under the circumstances that the allele and genotype frequencies remain the same as generations continue to come about. When no evolutionary change has occurred, the population is said to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Populations are rarely in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Drosophila melanogaster is a fruit fly that is commonly used in genetic studies. Drosophila only live around two weeks.Show MoreRelatedThe Proces of Evolution653 Words   |  3 Pagesenvironment, the complexity of living organisms would not be as it is. Evolution is defined as a process that results in heritable changes in a population spread over many generations (8).Scientists believe in the theory of evolution. This belief is based on scientific evidence that corroborates the theory of evolution. In Figure 1 the pictures of the skulls depict the sequence of the evolution of Homo-sapiens. As the figure shows, m an has evolved from our common ancestor that is shared by homo-sapiens. TheRead MoreHardy Weinberg s Effect On The Population920 Words   |  4 Pagesdid the allele frequencies didn’t change but also the genotype frequencies didn’t change also through the generations. Even though Hardy-Weinberg is based on random matings and their frequencies it can be calculated†¦ the key point is this only a theory and therefore circumstances to why some calculations don’t add up to being equal to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. As a prime example, if the mating of two organisms are not random the rates of the frequencies could change. If the population ofRead MoreOrigin Of Life On Earth And How Biological Populations Have Changed And Developed Over Successive Generations1635 Words   |  7 Pages The theory of evolution discusses, with considerable proof, the history of life on earth and how biological populations have changed and developed over successive generations. Despite the abundance of evidence for evolution, both scientific and physical, some still doubt the validity of this theory. However, once compared with the alternative theory of creation, it is apparent that evolution is the most probable explanation for the origin of life on earth, to date. This essay will explain a handfulRead MoreCharles Darwin s Theory Of Natural Selection1399 Words   |  6 Pagesdefined as a genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations (thoughtco). Charles Darwin’s theory clearly state that evolution occurs by natural selection. Darwin published a book in 1859 on the origin of species. In the book Darwin talks about the philosophy of natural selection. Natural selection is when a group of species show variation in their physical characters. This is be cause of the difference in their gene. Charles Darwin proposed that natural selection acts to preserveRead MoreCharles Darwin And Alfred Wallace887 Words   |  4 PagesDarwin and Alfred Wallace like so many of their predecessors made observations of natural phenomena that inspired proposals of how life on earth evolved, unlike others these men formed plausible explanations of how the changes in populations occurred without having any knowledge of Mendelian genetics which was presented in 1868, and provided the micro-mechanism for evolution that Darwin could never explain with his theory of Pangenesis. Rather, based solely on the observations each made over time observingRead MoreCharles Darwin s Theory Of Biblical Creation1028 Words   |  5 Pagesin the environments. Natural selections meaning can be simplified as to which traits have the advantage to survive and reproduce in the environment they are living in. This meaning should not be confused with believing that the environ ment itself creating different species, yet the most suitable species will survive against the ones with less useful traits. The four processes of mechanism of evolutionary change are mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection. A mutation is permanentRead MoreEvolutionary Concepts Activity 6 Essay1337 Words   |  6 PagesEvolutionary theory describes how populations change over time due to changes in the gene pool. There are several mechanisms that can change a gene pool and allow evolution to occur. Natural selection, mutation, gene flow and genetic drift are some of the driving forces behind evolutionary change. Natural selection and genetic drift are the mechanisms that decrease genetic variation, whereas gene flow and mutation are the driving mechanism to increase genetic variation. Natural selection is basicallyRead MoreThe Theory of Evolution Essay553 Words   |  3 PagesAlthough it is generally accepted by the scientific community, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has been studied and debated for several decades. In 1859, Darwin published On The Origin of Species, wh ich introduced the idea of evolutionary thought which he supported with evidence of one type of evolutionary mechanism, natural selection. Some of the main mechanisms of evolution are natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. The idea that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor has been aroundRead MoreCharles Darwin : The Father Of Evolution Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pages Charles Darwin is widely regarded as the father of evolution because of his extensive work explaining how species became what we see now. The theory of evolution is the change in characteristics of species from generation to generation. Through evolution, the earth gains biodiversity; species begin, change, or die. Using both fossils and living species, scientists are able to reconstruct a biological tree, grouping similar species together to trace their way back to the last common ancestor. ThroughRead MoreStrengths And Weaknesses Of Darwins Theory Of Evolution1359 Words   |  6 PagesDarwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is a theory that is and has been widely accepted for many years. The reason for this widespread acceptance is the many strengths that Darwin’s theory has. However, even though this is true, Darwins theory has a few weaknesses. Darwin, although close, did not paint a full realistic picture of evolution with his theory. Darwin’s theory of evolution is the most commonly accepted theory because of the strong evidence that the theory is built on. One