Question

What are the four processes through which evolution occurs? First, define evolution. Next, outline each of the four processes. Which mechanism is the most powerful? Which is the only one by which new genetic material comes into existence?

Answer 1

The four processes which lead to evolution are natural selection, mutation, genetic drift and gene flow.

Evolution is the change in the process of inherited traits of population from its generation to generation.

Or when something changes into different form usually more complex or better form is known as evolution. It is driven by natural selection.

Natural selection- There exists genetic variations in the population and the organisms have different characters. The organisms having the traits which help in the survival of an organism help them to survive thus selecting them from the rest of the rest of the population. This is called natural selection. These traits are then transferred to the future generations.

Mutation- It is the sudden change in the structure of the DNA.

Genetic drift- It is random event that happens by chance in the nature and influences or changes the allele frequency within a population.

Gene flow- It is the transfer of gene from one gene pool to another. This happens because of the migration of the population from one place to another.

Natural selection is the most powerful process.

Mutations are the only process by which new genetic material comes into existence. They serve as a raw material for evolution.