Evolutionary Theory explains the diversity of life on Earth through mechanisms like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation, which drive the adaptation and survival of organisms over generations. It provides a framework for understanding how species evolve over time in response to environmental pressures, leading to the emergence of new species and the extinction of others.

Evolutionary Theory

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

Adaptation is the process through which organisms or systems adjust to changes in their environment to improve survival and functioning. It involves both physical and behavioral changes that enhance the ability to cope with new conditions or challenges.

adaptation

survival of organisms

generations

how species evolve

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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