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Mechanism of Evolution
Mechanism of Evolution
produce change in
population
Nadine Apawan
What is Evolution?
Evolution is the process by which modern organisms have
descended from ancient ancestors. Evolution is
responsible for both the remarkable similarities we see
across all life and the amazing diversity of that life. It is the
net change in organisms or a population over the span of
many generations — but exactly how does it work? Here,
we’ll find out.
How does Evolution work?
Evolution involves changes in heritable information
passed from one generation to the next, including gene
frequency, DNA non-coding changes, and non-coding
information. These modifications are heritable and can be
passed on to the next generation, making them crucial in
long-term change.
Mechanisms of Evolution
• Mutation
• Gene Flow
• Genetic Drift
• Natural Selection
Mutation
Any change in the DNA sequence of a cell. Mutations are
heritable alterations that cause new species to emerge. A
mutant is the first person to exhibit signs of
transformation. It is a pure breeder that passes on its
mutation to its offspring, resulting in the birth of a new
species. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell
division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-
damaging agents in the environment.
Mutation
.
The causes of mutations
1. DNA spontaneously breaks down or is not copied accurately
Most of the mutations that we think matter to evolution are “naturally
occurring.” For example, when a cell divides, it makes a copy of its DNA — and
sometimes the copy is not quite perfect. That small difference from the original
DNA sequence is a mutation. Spontaneous breakdown of DNA can also cause
mutations.