genetic variation
Variation in traits within populations is the characteristic that causes natural selection. This variation could be due to genetic differences or environmental factors, and individuals with traits that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this process leads to the evolution of populations as adaptations become more common.
The characteristic within the population that causes natural selection to occur is that individuals within a given population are not all identical because they vary. The other characteristic that causes natural selection to occur is that some variants are better than the others.
Genetic variation. If there were no variation in the genes/phenotype then natural selection would have nothing to select from.
Variations within populations is what natural selection is " looking " for. That one variant of a population is somewhat better able to survive and reproduce than other variants against the backdrop of the immediate environment is natural selection.
Natural fluctuations can be caused by a variety of factors such as weather patterns, environmental conditions, and interactions within ecosystems. These fluctuations are often cyclical and can be influenced by both internal and external processes, leading to variations in populations, climate, and other natural systems.
Variation in traits within a population is what causes natural selection to occur. When individuals in a population exhibit different traits, those that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to the next generation. This process leads to the gradual change of a population over time.
All events can be traced to natural causes that are potentially within our ability to comprehend.
Mutation is the primary mechanism of evolution that leads to genetic variation within a population. This variation, along with natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and other forces, drives the changes observed in populations over time.
Potential causes of microevolution include mutations in DNA, gene flow between populations, genetic drift (random changes in gene frequency), natural selection (favoring certain traits), and changes in environmental conditions. These factors can lead to changes in allele frequencies within a population over time.
Natural change in populations is calculated by subtracting the number of deaths from the number of births within a specific time period. The formula is: Natural Change = Births - Deaths. This calculation helps to determine whether a population is growing or declining due to natural factors, excluding migration influences. It is often expressed as a rate per 1,000 individuals in the population for better comparison across different populations or time periods.
Traits within populations change over time primarily through the processes of natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Natural selection favors individuals with advantageous traits, increasing their likelihood of reproduction and passing these traits to future generations. Genetic drift can lead to random changes in trait frequencies, especially in small populations, while gene flow introduces new genetic material from other populations, altering trait distributions. Together, these mechanisms drive the evolution of populations and their traits over generations.
All events can be traced to natural causes that are potentially within our ability to comprehend.