Science - Current science narration

Chapter 5: Genetics and Mutations: The Fundamental Mechanisms of Evolution At the heart of evolutionary biology, there are two crucial concepts: genetics and mutations. These two processes are the fundamental mechanisms driving evolutionary change and play a critical role in our understanding of how natural selection works. Genetics is the system that carries the genetic information of organisms, while mutations are the mechanism that shows how this information can change over time. Evolution occurs as these changes accumulate. In this chapter, we will explore in detail how genetic structure plays a role in evolution and how mutations contribute to evolutionary change. Genetics and Evolution: The Fundamental Connections Genetics is the biological information system that determines all of an organism’s characteristics. This information is stored in a molecule called DNA, which shapes all of an organism’s physical and biological traits. At the core of evolutionary processes l...

Chapter 4: Natural Selection: The Strongest Engine of Evolution One of the cornerstones of the theory of evolution is the natural selection theory developed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century. Natural selection is one of the most powerful engines of the evolutionary process and is considered a mechanism that determines the survival and reproductive success of species. As one of the foundations of evolutionary biology, this process ensures that nature works in a powerful and effective way. In this chapter, we will explore how natural selection works, Darwin’s theory, and its place in the evolutionary process in detail. What is Natural Selection? Natural selection is the process through which the characteristics of organisms that are capable of surviving and reproducing accumulate. This means that organisms that best adapt to environmental conditions will survive and pass their genetic information to the next generations. The degree to which an organism's characteristics are suite...