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Key Methods of Evolution Explained

The document outlines various methods of evolution, including mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, sexual selection, artificial selection, and natural selection. It highlights how these processes can introduce new alleles, change allele frequencies, and affect genetic variation within populations. Notably, natural selection is emphasized as the major method of evolution on Earth, influenced by environmental factors.

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50 views1 page

Key Methods of Evolution Explained

The document outlines various methods of evolution, including mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, sexual selection, artificial selection, and natural selection. It highlights how these processes can introduce new alleles, change allele frequencies, and affect genetic variation within populations. Notably, natural selection is emphasized as the major method of evolution on Earth, influenced by environmental factors.

Uploaded by

ashsun4212
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

METHODS OF EVOLUTION

 Mutation (random)
-Randomly introduces new alleles into a population which may change allele
frequencies
e.g., new flower
colours have arisen
by mutation
 Genetic Drift (random)
-Change in the gene pool (allele frequencies) of a population due to
chance
-The smaller the population the more impact genetic drift has:
o Bottleneck Effect: Disaster (earthquake, flood) may reduce a
population drastically reducing its gene pool and genetic variation.
e.g., Toba Catastrophe – reduced human population to 20 000
o Founder Effect: Likely when few individuals colonize an isolated
habitat like an island.
e.g., Maple Syrup Urine Disease - High in Amish population in
U.S

 Gene Flow (random)


-Movement of genes: Migration between populations
-Tends to reduce genetic differences between populations
-Can eventually mix neighbouring populations into one population with a
common gene pool
e.g., Beetle population have mixed and
interbred

 Sexual Selection / Non-random mating (not random)


-Form of natural selection where individuals with certain inherited traits are
more likely to obtain mates
e.g., peacock males have attractive feathers to attract peahens

 Artificial Selection (not random)


Humans determine which traits survive in organisms
e.g., Humans have selected different breed of dogs

 Natural Selection (not random) *Major method of evolution on Earth


-The Environment favours certain alleles, increasing their prevalence in the
population.

e.g., different finches have evolved to fit different environments/food

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