Evolution is driven by genetic changes over time from "summary" of El gen / The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Genes are the fundamental units of heredity, containing the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. Over time, genetic changes occur in a population, shaping the course of evolution. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors, from random mutations to environmental pressures. Mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the proteins produced by genes. Some mutations are harmful, while others may confer an advantage in a particular environment. Natural selection acts on these variations, allowing organisms with advantageous traits to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes to the next generation. As generations pass, the accumulation of genetic changes can lead to the emergence of new species. This process, known as speciation, is driven by the gradual divergence of populations as they adapt to different environments or exploit new niches. Over millions...Similar Posts
Over time, populations diverge
As generations pass, slight variations inevitably arise within populations. These variations may seem insignificant at first, b...
International cooperation is key to promoting sustainable practices in agriculture
In agriculture, the challenges we face are global in nature. Climate change does not respect national borders, nor do pests and...
Deterring migration harms marginalized communities
When governments and institutions implement policies to deter migration, they often fail to consider the impact on marginalized...
Disruption can be a positive force
Disruption is often seen as a negative force, something to be avoided or minimized. However, this view overlooks the potential ...
Struggle for existence in nature
The term "struggle for existence" in nature refers to the fierce competition that takes place among species for limited resourc...
Complexity can emerge from simple rules
The idea that complexity can emerge from simple rules is a central concept in evolutionary theory. It suggests that the intrica...
Competition drives evolutionary change
The process of evolution is driven by the competition for limited resources among individuals within a population. This competi...
Population growth leading to competition
As more individuals are produced than can possibly survive, there must in every case be a struggle for existence, either one in...
Genetic drift and gene flow contribute to evolution
Genetic drift and gene flow, two fundamental processes in population genetics, play crucial roles in shaping the course of evol...