What is Evolution?

Evolution is a theory of how humans came to be. It was first formalized and published by Charles Darwin in 1861. This theory is credited by natural selection or in other words ‘survival of the fittest.’ This is where the strongest of one species survives / propagates and therefore its strength increase / improves the strength of the species. The genes mutate, then individuals (with the strongest or quality genes) are ‘selected’ and then the population will evolve. The Evolution Theory has now become the cornerstone of modern biology, but still a very controversial topic.

In detail, Evolution is the change in a gene pool (mutation / genetic variation) of a population (a collection of individuals) over a period of time. Mutation is the creation of new alleles and it limits the rate of evolution. Conversely, recombination is the mixture of genes from both the mother and the father. Recombination is gene ‘shuffling’ that creates new combinations of alleles. A single organism is not stereotypical of the entire species, each contain a set of traits. An organism does not and will not evolve, however, the offspring or another generation may. Evolution is broken into two categories:

Ø      Microevolution: Is a change within a species and how it adapts to its environment. These are minor changes

Ø      Macroevolution: Is cumulative microevolution. That causes a major change to the species. For example, a new species is created.

For evolution to continue there must be mechanisms that increase / decrease genetic variation. Natural selection role is to remove unfit variations as they arise via mutation. It only allows organisms to adapt to their current environment and as a new environment changes new traits may be selected. Natural selection supports selfish behaviour in the environment. Although, cooperating is also a selfish strategy, as long as the agreement is mutually beneficial or altruistic (increase ones strength at the expense of another organisms).

The Theory of Evolution, has developed throughout society as Darwin introduced the idea. It is believed that species are initially primitive, but increase in complexity as they inherit ‘good’ genes. This believe is also known as, orthogenesis. However, it is now believed that natural selection, new variants arise constantly within a population.