What is Evolution?

Evolution is the process by which species of organisms change over time through the gradual accumulation of small genetic changes. These changes can lead to the emergence of new species and the extinction of others.

Key Concepts

Natural Selection: This is the process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these favorable traits become more common in the population.
Genetic Variation: Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population contribute to the diversity of traits observed in a species.
Adaptation: As a result of natural selection, organisms develop traits that are well-suited to their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
Speciation: When populations of a species become isolated from each other and evolve independently, they may eventually become distinct species.

Evidence for Evolution

There are several lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution, including:

Human Evolution

Humans have also evolved over time, with the earliest known human ancestors appearing in Africa over 6 million years ago. The study of human evolution provides valuable insights into our shared ancestry with other species and the factors that have shaped our development as a species.