What are the main scientific theories explaining evolution?.

The main scientific theories explaining evolution include:

Key Facts

• Natural Selection: Proposed by Charles Darwin in 1859, this theory states that organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
• Genetic Drift: A concept introduced in the early 20th century, referring to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, affecting evolutionary processes.
• Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution, often due to geographic, behavioral, or temporal isolation.
• Mutation: Random changes in DNA that can introduce new traits, providing raw material for evolution.

Examples or Use Cases

• Natural selection can be seen in the peppered moth's color change during the Industrial Revolution.
• Genetic drift is exemplified in small populations where random events can significantly impact allele frequencies.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between natural selection and genetic drift?
   Natural selection is a non-random process that enhances advantageous traits, while genetic drift is a random process that can lead to changes in allele frequencies.
2. How do mutations contribute to evolution?
   Mutations introduce genetic variability, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful, influencing the evolutionary pathway.