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In its simplest definition, evolution is the change of allele frequencies within a population over time. There are two main ways an allele can change in frequency: # Natural selection-- alleles that are beneficial will rise in frequency due to natural selection, while those that are detrimental will fall in frequency (and even be lost entirely) # Genetic Drift-- alleles can change in frequency from generation to generation due to chance factors, such as sampling error. It is the primary reason for frequency change in selectively neutral alleles. Very small populations are particularly prone to this kind of change, although all finite populations experience genetic drift to some degree.

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Evolutionists often make the distinction between evolution as a fact and evolutionary theory What does this mean?

Evolution is descent with modification. Or, change over time. And formally as the change in allele frequencies over time in a population of organisms. This is an observed and a observable fact. The theory is; the theory of evolution by natural selection, which explains the fact of evolution. Natural selection is the main mechanism ( there are others ) that drives the adaptive change in organism that can lead to speciation, or just simple evolution.


What is a natural selection results?

Adaptions that lead to greater survivability and reproductive success in the immediate environment of the individual organisms under selection pressure.


How is mutation and natural selection similar?

Both establish that: 1. There are limited reproductive opportunities 2. Only those organisms with "favorable" traits will be allowed to reproduce and pass the traits onto their offspring The difference is that artificial selection involves human intervention


Natural selection can lead to the formation of a new species which is called?

The development of a new species through evolution is called speciation.


Why is it important for physicians to have a clear understanding of evolution by natural selection?

Physicians prescribe drugs to the patients.But the pathogens have the propensity to evolve and become "super bugs"(so called because they are drug resistant).This could lead to a bad condition of the disease or might develop some rare form of disease.The common cause of the development of drug resistance is inappropriate dosage of drugs.In that case these drugs act as natural selection agents and could not kill the entire population of pathogens this could lead to the increase in frequency of those resistant forms of pathogens.So if a physican has a clear understanding of evolution by natural selection he will not be careless about the dosage of drugs

Related Questions

What is the relationship between evolution and natural selection?

Evolution is the process of change in species over time, while natural selection is a mechanism by which evolution occurs. Natural selection acts on genetic variation within a population, favoring traits that increase an individual's chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary change.


Natural selection is the only mechanism of evolution that will lead to?

the adaptation of a population to its environment through the gradual accumulation of beneficial traits.


Why isn't evolution by natural selection progressive?

Evolution by natural selection is not inherently progressive because it does not have a predetermined goal or direction. Instead, it is driven by the environment and the survival of the fittest individuals in a given population. This means that evolution can lead to changes that are not necessarily "better" or more advanced, but simply better suited to the current environment.


Do natural and survival ofthe fittest equal evolution?

Natural selection (survival of the fittest) is a key mechanism driving evolution but they are not the same. Evolution encompasses all changes in allele frequencies in a population over time, while natural selection is one process that can lead to those changes by favoring certain traits in individuals that increase their reproductive success.


The only traits that can lead to natural selection and evolution are traits that?

increase an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment. Traits that are heritable can be passed on to offspring and accumulate in a population over time through the process of natural selection, leading to evolution.


What are the four processes that lead to evolution?

Mutation, Natural Selection, Migration, and Genetic Drift.


What does natural selection lead to?

Natural selection leads to evolution by giving the organism that is best suited for the area to thrive. Thus those who not suited for the area die off and evolution moves forward.


What does natural selection mean and how does it impact the evolution of species?

Natural selection is a process in which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this can lead to the evolution of species as those with beneficial traits become more common in a population.


How is directional selection related to the process of evolution?

Directional selection is a type of natural selection where individuals with traits that are better suited to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. This process can lead to the evolution of a population over time as certain traits become more common in the gene pool.


What are the different types of natural selection and how do they impact the evolution of species?

There are three main types of natural selection: directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection. Directional selection occurs when one extreme trait is favored over others, leading to a shift in the population towards that trait. Stabilizing selection favors the average trait, reducing genetic variation in a population. Disruptive selection favors extreme traits, leading to the divergence of a population into two distinct groups. These types of natural selection impact evolution by influencing which traits are passed on to future generations. Over time, they can lead to the adaptation of species to their environment and the emergence of new species.


What does natural selection lead evolution?

Natural selection leads to evolution by favoring individuals with advantageous traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary change.


What will natural selection eventually lead to in a population?

Changes in morphology and behaviour.Speciation.Extinction.