How does the process of evolution work?

Evolution is the process by which species change over time through natural selection. It occurs when there is a variation in the genetic makeup of a population, and certain variations lead to better survival or reproduction. These favorable variations are passed down to the next generation, leading to a gradual change in the population over many generations.

The process of evolution can be broken down into several key mechanisms. The first is natural selection, which is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on how well they enable survival or reproduction. Another important mechanism is genetic drift, which refers to random changes in the gene pool of a population. Mutation, or changes in the genetic code, also plays a role in evolution by introducing new genetic variation into a population. Migration and isolation also contribute to evolution by allowing gene flow between or separation of populations.

Over time, these mechanisms can lead to the development of new species and the diversification of life on Earth. Evolution is a fundamental concept in biology and has led to many practical applications, such as the development of antibiotics and the understanding of genetic diseases.