Enduring Understanding 1A

Change in the genetic makeup of a population over time is evolution.

Natural selection is the major driving mechanism of evolution; the essential features of the mechanism contribute to the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. Darwin’s theory of natural selection states that inheritable variations occur in individuals in a population. Due to competition for resources that are often limited, individuals with more favorable variations or phenotypes are more likely to survive and produce more offspring, thus passing traits to subsequent generations. Fitness, the number of surviving offspring left to produce the next generation, is a measure of evolutionary success. Individuals do not evolve, but rather, populations evolve.

The environment is always changing, there is no “perfect” genome, and a diverse gene pool is important for the long-term survival of a species. Genetic variations within a population contribute to the diversity of the gene pool. Changes in genetic information may be silent (with no observable phenotypic effects) or result in a new phenotype, which can be positive, negative or neutral to the organism. The interaction of the environment and the phenotype determines the fitness of the phenotype; thus, the environment does not direct the changes in DNA, but acts upon phenotypes that occur through random changes in DNA. These changes can involve alterations in DNA sequences, changes in gene combinations and/or the formation of new gene combinations.

Although natural selection is usually the major mechanism for evolution, genetic variation in populations can occur through other processes, including mutation, genetic drift, sexual selection and artificial selection. Inbreeding, small population size, nonrandom mating, the absence of migration, and a net lack of mutations can lead to loss of genetic diversity. Human-directed processes such as genetic engineering can also result in new genes and combinations of alleles that confer new phenotypes.

Biological evolution driven by natural selection is supported by evidence from many scientific disciplines, including geology and physical science. In addition, biochemical, morphological, and genetic information from existing and extinct organisms support the concept of natural selection. Phylogenetic trees serve as dynamic models that show common ancestry, while geographical distribution and the fossil record link past and present organisms.