Evolution is the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.
This definition highlights the following key aspects:
* Change: Evolution involves a shift in the genetic composition of a population. It's not about individual organisms changing, but rather about the overall genetic makeup of a group.
* Genetic Makeup: The core of evolution is changes in the frequencies of alleles (different forms of genes) within a population.
* Population: Evolution occurs at the population level, not the individual level.
* Time: Evolution is a gradual process that unfolds over generations.
Important Points to Remember:
* Natural Selection: A key driver of evolution is natural selection. This is the process where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to their offspring.
* Other Factors: Other factors besides natural selection can contribute to evolution, such as genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation.
* Speciation: Over long periods of time, evolution can lead to the formation of new species. This occurs when populations become so genetically different that they can no longer interbreed.
In a nutshell, evolution is the ongoing process of genetic change within a population that leads to the diversity of life we see on Earth.