Evolutionary processes refer to the mechanisms that drive changes in the genetic composition of populations over time, leading to the diversity of life observed today. These processes include natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, each contributing to the adaptation and evolution of species in response to environmental pressures.

Evolutionary Processes

Mechanisms that drive changes

Genetic composition of populations

Diversity Of Life

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This process leads to the gradual adaptation of species to their environments over successive generations, driving the diversity of life on Earth.

Natural Selection

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that results in random changes in allele frequencies within a population, often having a more pronounced effect in small populations. It can lead to the fixation or loss of alleles over time, independent of selective pressures, thus contributing to genetic diversity or homogeneity.

Genetic Drift

Mutation refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA, which can lead to variations in traits and potentially affect an organism's fitness. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors, and they play a crucial role in evolution and genetic diversity.

Mutation

Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between separate populations, which can introduce new genetic variants and increase genetic diversity within a population. It plays a crucial role in evolution by reducing genetic differences between populations and potentially aiding in the adaptation to new environments.

Gene Flow

Adaptation and evolution of species

Environmental pressures are external factors that can influence the survival, behavior, and evolution of organisms or systems. These pressures can be natural or anthropogenic, leading to adaptation, migration, or extinction in response to changing conditions.

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