Chapter 14, Problem S1.2BYB

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason evolution is a core concept of biology.

Introduction:

Evolution is defined as the variation that occurs due to a change in the hereditary characteristics among biological population over successive generations. Evolution causes biodiversity among the species and individual organisms.

Explanation of Solution

Evolution can be defined as a slow and gradual change, which causes the changes in the genome of organism. These changes bring out the development of the new characters. As these changes occur at the genomic level, they can be inherited from one generation to another.

The changes in the traits can be either beneficial or non beneficial. In case the traits are beneficial, it aids in the survival of the organism and ultimately results in an increase in the population of the individual having the new trait. In case, the changed traits are non beneficial, the trait would be eliminated, as it would decrease the survival expectancy of the organism.

The evolutionary changes are also the main reason for the speciation. Any changes in the environment may result in the evolution of the new traits. Sometimes the changes are small and they result in small genetic variation, but the overall characteristic of the species is maintained. When there is a drastic change in the environment, many new traits are developed. This results in an emergence of a new species and speciation occurs.

As evolution is one of the main forces that affect the survival of organism, it becomes important to study evolution. Also, evolution is the main factor, which resulted in an emergence of new species till today. So, evolution is a core concept of biology.

Conclusion

Evolution is caused by mutations, hybridization, and inbreeding depressions that occurs among the species. Evolution is the main factor that results in an emergence of species and various adaptations. This makes it a very important concept in biology.