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Chapter 29: Problem 1

Discuss the two principles on which evolution is based.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Evolution is based on two key principles: variation and natural selection. Variation in a population means individuals have different traits. Natural selection is the process of 'selecting' the most helpful traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, thus leading to these traits becoming more common within a population over generations.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the first principle

The first principle of evolution is \emph{variation}, which suggests that within any population of individuals - be it plants, animals, bacteria - there is a certain natural amount of genetic variation. The same species can have different traits, such as size, color or resistance to certain diseases, a phenomenon observed when producing offspring, whether by sexual or asexual reproduction.
02

Discussing the significance of variation

The constant variation within a species is the driving force behind evolution. The environment does not interact with a species as a whole, rather, it interacts with individuals, all of which who might have different adaptations. Some of these traits may increase an individual's ability to survive and reproduce, making them more 'fit' for the environment.
03

Understanding the second principle

The second principle of evolution is natural \emph{selection}, which follows from variation. It is the process by which traits become more or less common in a population due to their effects on the reproductive success of their bearers. Essentially, nature 'selects' those genetic traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.
04

Discussing the significance of natural selection

Natural selection acts upon the pool of variation provided by the genes in the reproductive process. The individuals with traits more suited towards survival will most likely survive long enough to produce offspring with these traits. And the 'less fit' individuals in terms of survival and reproduction potential die without reproducing. Therefore, over generations, the 'fit' traits selected by the environment become more common within a population.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is a species? What types of observations do researchers analyze when trying to identify species?

Would the rate of deleterious or beneficial mutations be a good molecular clock? Why or why not?

When comparing the coding regions of a protein-encoding gene among closely related species, certain regions are commonly found to have evolved more rapidly (i.e., have tolerated more changes in sequence) than other regions. Explain why different regions of a protein-encoding gene evolve at different rates.

Plant seeds contain storage proteins that are encoded by the plant's genes. When a seed germinates, these proteins are rapidly hydrolyzed (i.e., the covalent bonds between amino acids within the polypeptides are broken), which releases amino acids for the developing seedling. Would you expect the genes that encode plant storage proteins to evolve more slowly or more rapidly than genes that encode enzymes? Explain your answer.

Describe three or more genetic mechanisms that may lead to the rapid evolution of a new species. Which of these genetic mechanisms are influenced by natural selection, and which are not?
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