Biology Mechanisms of Evolution

Mechanisms of Evolution

• The basis of change in populations, whether it’s a population of spiders, microorganisms, or people, occurs at the level of an organism’s genetic material—its DNA.

• The patterns, trends, and rates of change can be evaluated broadly at the level of a species or specifically at the level of an allele.

• When a population or a specific trait doesn’t change, it’s at equilibrium. However, this rarely occurs. Forces that elicit change are constantly bombarding any dynamic, living system.