Evolution is the process where modern organisms have originated from ancient ancestors. Evolution is responsible for both the remarkable similarities we see across all life and the amazing diversity of that life, but how does this all work? Fundamental to the process is genetic variation where selective forces can act in order for evolution to occur. This section examines the mechanisms of evolution, and there are seven factors mechanisms that play into evolution. The first is descent and the genetic differences that are heritable and passed on to the following generation. The second is mutation, migration, genetic drift and natural selection as mechanisms of change. The third is the importance of genetic variation. The fourth is the random nature of genetic drift and the effects of the reduction within genetic variation. The fifth is how variation, differential reproduction, and heredity result in evolution by natural selection. Lastly, is the difference in species can effect each other’s evolution through coevolution (where two or more species can effect each other’s evolution).

References:

Mechanisms: the process of evolution. (n.d.) Retrieved from April 12, 2017 from:

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_14