3 Ways Evolution Happens 1. Artificial selection 2. Genetic Drift 3. Natural selection
1. Artificial Selection The process by which humans change a species by breeding it for certain traits. neck feathers crop tail feathers Pigeon breeding Bred for tail feathers Bred for crop Bred for neck feathers
2. Genetic Drift “Chance” causes a small population. Dramatic event Small group leaves or is separated Result: less genetic variety
3. Natural Selection Its all about Variation! Mutations - Small changes / Lots of time Genetic Recombination (crossing over, Independent assortment & Segregation)
Fitness determines survival Variation leads to differential fitness. Some organisms survive better than others Fitness determines which individuals survive and reproduce. Must have a selective advantage or trait (gene) will not increase within a population.
Selected for: Selected against: Helpful traits which help survival are selected for in a population and increase in frequency. Harmful traits or unsuccessful traits are selected against in a population and decrease in frequency. A harmful trait that does not affect fitness is not selected against, ie: Alzheimer’s
Examples of Evolution Occurring Extinction Pesticide Resistance Antibiotic Resistance
Extinction All members of a population die out. Loss of genetic diversity. Can be global or regional
Pesticide resistance: Have to come up with new and more toxic chemicals to combat pests. Weeds Insects
Antibiotic resistance: Need for new antibiotics Evolutionary arms race*