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Theory of evolution—natural selection
Theory of evolution states that current form of life came into being due to the alterations in the previous form under the influence of environmental changes; this change mainly encapsulates alterations in the inheritable characteristics over successive generations. Contemplating through the lens of molecular biology, these variations are actually the expressions of genes transferred to the off springs from parents particularly when they undergo mutation and genetic recombination. This theory was presented by Charles Darwin in 1859 in his book the origin of species. He was in view that in response to the environmental adversities, parents transfer such characteristics to their off-springs that enable them overcome these adversities and develop adaptations accordingly. Natural selection is the mechanism through which evolution operates; referring to the idea that genetic mutation is done by the nature which is solely responsible for the genetic mutations. The basic rationale behind natural selection is the development of adaptive attributes in the individuals in response to the environmental stimuli. For example, polar bear population was first living in the areas where there was no ice at all; they had no fur to protect them from cold. With the passing time, the area where they lived started having frequent ice storms and a substantial fall in temperature; genetic mutations allowed them to develop fur in response to the changing outside temperature in order to adapt their environmental conditions. Those who render successful in adapting fur remained alive whereas the other ones vanished from the society. Hence, natural selection is the crux of environmental adaptations and ultimate survival. Another striking example of natural selection is the extinction of light pale colored peppered moths that were once very populous because they excellently hid themselves from predators through camouflaging their pale colored skin with the pale bark of tress. With the industrial revolution, pale colored trees became dark colored enriched with black soot and dark colored peppered moths became comparatively more populous. What happened with the pale colored moths is quite obvious; they failed to develop adaptation and got eaten by predators more frequently.
References
What is evolution (2016). Society and Behavior (S&B). Retrieved from
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