Hows does evolution take place? I understand that its an accumulation of changes to adapt to an environment, but how does it change generation to generation? Is the set of traits that will be passed down to an offspring predetermined or does it change depending on how my environment is? Its seems too fascinating that my environment may change the set of dna that is passed down, or is that not the case?
In: Biology
> but how does it change generation to generation
Randomly. 999,999,999,999 random mutations that happen in a species are either inconsequential or even detrimental. But then one randomly happens that actually gives that animal an advantage. That animal is going to have an easier go of survival, and therefore have an easier time reproducing. If that mutation is hereditary, then its offspring will enjoy the same advantages too. Over a long period of time, across a broad population, the ones with that advantageous gene that gets passed down to them will do better than those who didn’t, and the ones with the gene will eventually be the entire population.
> Is the set of traits that will be passed down to an offspring predetermined
Just straight up dominant and recessive genes just like any other genetic trait.
> does it change depending on how my environment is?
The environment can’t change your DNA. Pollution can *damage* DNA but that’s different. That’s just damage.
> Its seems too fascinating that my environment may change the set of dna that is passed down, or is that not the case?
Not like you’re thinking. No. Why is that tundra full of white rabbits? Well there used to be all kinds of colors of rabbits. All of their fur colors were totally random circumstances of their birth. Well the rabbits that just so happened to have white fur like the snow didn’t get eaten nearly as much so they reproduced more and more compared to the darker rabbits. **The tundra didn’t CHANGE anyone’s fur.** Those who *happened* to have white fur just did better, for obvious reasons. They did better for so long that none of the other colored rabbits are left. They all got eaten faster than they could reproduce.
Latest Answers