What are the basic driving forces behind evolution?

Answer 1

the driving forces behind evolution are Mutation, Natural Selection, Gene flow, and Genetic drift

So lets start with Natural selection, all this means is that that individuals best suited for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. That's all it is, Individuals with certain inherited traits leave more off spring than others.

an example of natural selection would be anti-biotic resistance in bacteria.

Now mutations, Mutations are random and can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to an organism, however not all mutations matter in evolution. only those that can be passed on to the next generation matter. Those that occur in somatic cells do not matter to evolution.

Genetic drift - change in the gene pool of a small population due to chance. an example. Disasters such as the BP oil spill occur which kills off a large number of individuals, this results in a drastic reduction of the population size which in turn affects the genetic variation.

and finally Gene flow which is when individuals migrate between populations, this brings in more genetic variation.

Answer 2

Natural selection--evolution is survival of the fittest. Weaker animals die, and stronger animals survive.

Genetic variation--this allows for animals of the same species to have different traits (some of which may be more favorable and through evolution will become the norm for the species)

- Genetic drift also plays a role; It's when the gene pool of a population is changed because of an accident, etc.

- Gene flow is when individuals from different populations migrate and introduce their genes into another population's gene pool

Mutation--sometimes genetic mutation allows for new, favorable traits to appear.

Answer 3

Evolution, as defined by scientists today, is a undirected, purposeless mechanism. So, to answer your question, evolution is not driven by anything.


In a sense, evolution is driven by reproductive variation and differential reproductive success. Reproductive variation providing random drift, and differential reproductive success providing a measure of "direction" to this drift.

Answer 4

Evolution by natural selection means that the inhabitants of the planet which possess genetic characteristics that are superior (survivors) to less fortunate forms will typically mate and reproduce. Thus, these superior survivors will winnow out the life forms that do not possess superior survival idiosyncrasies that will result in continued procreation. Therefore, all by natural selection, some are and will continue to be the fittest to live; conversely, those who are not among the fittest will not reproduce at a high rate and will not be among those who win the race for life faster and more efficiently..

Answer 5

The Enviroment. Changes in the environment makes things evolve.

Answer 6

Gees and mutations cange the genes and lets us adapt and cross breeding also helps evelotion.

Answer 7

The major driving force behind evolution is

natural selection.

metabolism.

homeostasis.

photosynthesis.

organization.

Answer 8

Generally, mutation and natural selection.

Answer 9

The basic driving force of evolution would be the environment.

Answer 10

Natural Selection