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Evolutionary Theories

Definition

Evolutionary theories are scientific explanations that describe how species change over time and develop into new species. These theories include concepts like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation.

Analogy

Think of evolutionary theories as a recipe for making a complex dish. Just as different ingredients (mutations, natural selection) come together to create a unique flavor profile, different evolutionary processes combine to shape the diversity of life on Earth.

Related terms

Natural Selection: This is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. It's like nature's version of 'survival of the fittest.'

Mutation: A mutation is a change in an organism's DNA sequence. It's like a typo in the recipe that can sometimes lead to an unexpectedly delicious result.

Genetic Drift: Genetic drift refers to random changes in gene frequencies within a population due to chance events. It’s like shuffling cards - you never know exactly what order they'll end up in.