Question

What is a force of evolution? Describe the forces of evolution. Why is mutation special?

Wht is evolution? Why is it important to understand evolution? Discuss you favorite insight from evolution as an example.

Answer 1

Force of evolution

Five different forces have influenced human evolution -- natural selection , random genetic drift , mutation , population mating structure and culture.

1) Natural selection -- natural selection is defined as the differential reproduction of organism as a function of heritable traits that influences adaptation to the environment.

2) Genetic drift -- it is the change in allele frequencies over time due to chance and chance alone.

3) Mutation -- it is defined as an error in copying of the DNA . Mutation is classified into somatic and germinal Mutation.

4) Population mating structure -- all those factors - physical , temporal , anatomical, physiological, and behavioral- that results in nonrandom mating among members of a species.

5) Culture has influenced human evolution to a degree unprecedented in any other species.

Mutation - is divided into two types somatic and germinal Mutation . Somatic Mutation influences somatic cells i.e. all Cells of the body other than those that directly Produces gametes . Germinal Mutation affects Cells that directly turn into gametes . Because there are many more somatic than germinal cells in humans the majority of detectable mutations are somatic. Somatic mutations may have no discernable effect on an organism . In some cases it can results in abnormal cell growth. Germinal Mutation are the life force behind evolution . The ultimate effect of germinal Mutation is to introduce new Genetic material. Without germinal mutation there would be no Genetic variation, no natural selection , no Genetic drift and hence , no evolution.