Introduction to
Evolution and The
Origin
Evolution is the process by which populations of organisms change over
generations through variations in their genetic material. It explains how
living beings adapt to their environments, develop new traits, and, over
time, form entirely new species. Evolution unites biology, providing a
framework to understand the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.
by abdullah mahmood
The Concept of Evolution
Shared Ancestry Key Mechanisms
Evolution can be described as a slow but continuous process Mutation
that shapes the natural world. Every organism alive today is Natural Selection
connected to one another through a shared ancestry, tracing
Genetic Drift
back to a single common origin billions of years ago. For
Gene Flow
example, humans and chimpanzees share a common
ancestor from about 6-7 million years ago, which explains
why they share so many genetic and anatomical similarities.
Mutation
These are random changes in DNA that create genetic variation. For
example, a mutation in a moth’s wing color might make it better
camouflaged, increasing its survival.
Natural Selection
This is where individuals with traits better suited to their environment
survive and reproduce more successfully. For instance, giraffes with
longer necks could reach more food and were more likely to pass on their
genes.
The Origin of Life
Abiogenesis
This is the theory that life arose from simple organic molecules that eventually
formed more complex structures like proteins and nucleic acids. For example,
amino acids—key building blocks of life—were produced in laboratory
1
simulations mimicking Earth's early atmosphere, as demonstrated by the famous
Miller-Urey experiment.
RNA World Hypothesis
It is believed that the first forms of life were based on RNA, a molecule
2 capable of storing genetic information and catalyzing reactions. This
was likely followed by the evolution of DNA and proteins, which are
more stable and efficient.
Hydrothermal Vents
Deep-sea vents rich in minerals may have provided the
perfect environment for the formation of early life. These
3
environments were isolated, stable, and supplied energy,
allowing for the chemical reactions that led to the formation
of life.
Early Evidence of Life
The earliest fossils found on Earth are stromatolites—rock-like structures
formed by layers of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These organisms
performed photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, which
paved the way for the evolution of more complex life forms.
Adaptations
Structural Behavioral
The thick fur of polar bears allows Birds migrate to warmer regions
them to survive in freezing during winter to find food and
temperatures. Cacti have spines escape the cold. Nocturnal animals
instead of leaves to minimize water like owls hunt at night to avoid
loss in deserts. competition and predators.
Physiological
Camels store fat in their humps,
which they can metabolize for
energy and water. Some fish, like
salmon, can regulate their body
chemistry to survive in both
freshwater and saltwater.
The History of Evolutionary Theory
Lamarck’s Theory of
Acquired Characteristics Darwin’s Contributions
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed that Charles Darwin revolutionized our
organisms could acquire traits during their understanding of evolution with his theory of
lifetime and pass them to offspring. For natural selection, which he developed during
example, he believed giraffes stretched their his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle.
necks to reach higher leaves, and this trait Observing the unique species of the
was inherited by their descendants. While Galápagos Islands, he realized that
Lamarck's mechanism was incorrect, he organisms adapt to their environments over
recognized the importance of adaptation. time. For example:
1 2 3 4
Cuvier’s Catastrophism Finch Adaptations
Georges Cuvier argued that sudden, Finch species with large beaks thrived on
catastrophic events caused extinctions, islands with hard seeds, while those with
explaining the fossil record. This contrasted smaller beaks thrived on islands with soft
with gradual change and laid the groundwork fruits.
for later debates.
