INSIGHTS FROM THE NEUTRAL THEORY OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION
The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the late 1960s, suggests that the majority of evolutionary changes at the molecular level are caused by random genetic drift of mutant alleles that are selectively neutral. This theory…
TRACING THE EVOLUTION OF PCR
History of the PCR The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary technique in molecular biology that allows the amplification of a specific DNA sequence. This method was first developed by Kary Mullis in 1983 and has since become an…
EVOLUTION OF MICROBES INTO DIVERSIFYING ECOSYSTEMS
Microbes, including bacteria, archaea, and single-celled eukaryotes, have played a crucial role in the evolution and diversification of ecosystems on Earth. Over billions of years, these microorganisms have adapted to various environmental conditions, leading to the formation of diverse ecosystems.…
RECOMBINATION AND MOBILE GENE ELEMENTS IN GENOME FUNCTION AND EVOLUTION
Recombination is a fundamental process in genetics that plays a crucial role in genome function and evolution. It refers to the exchange of genetic material between different DNA molecules, leading to the creation of new combinations of alleles. This process…
THE ORIGIN AND PHYLOGENY OF LIFE
Origin of Life The origin of life is a complex and still unresolved question that has puzzled scientists for centuries. The scientific community has proposed several theories, but there is no consensus on a single explanation. However, most scientists agree…
EVIDENCES IN SUPPORT OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION
1) Evidence from comparative anatomy Homologous structures can be used to explain the evidence of comparative anatomy. Homologous structures are those structures which are built in the same common plan but yet modified to perform different functions. For example the…
EVOLUTION OF NEW SPECIES BY MUTATION AND ISOLATION
A) Mutation theory of organic evolution Mutation is a change in genetic material resulting in a new stable characteristic which can be inherited by offspring. Hugo De Vries, a Dutch botanist propounded the mutation theory of organic evolution in 1901…
DARWIN’S THEORY AND MODERN THEORIES OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION
Charles Darwin, a British biologist, in 1859 propounded a theory of organic evolution by Natural Selection leading to the origin of species. His theory of natural selection is as follows: 1) Overproduction: All living organisms produce more offspring than can…
LAMARCK’S THEORY OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION
Jean Baptiste Lamarck, a French biologist was one of the first biologists to put forward the theory of organic evolution in 1801. His idea of organic evolution was hinged on three theories. 1) The theory of need This states that…
DIVINE CREATION AND ORGANIC EVOLUTION
The world is occupied by millions of different kinds of plants and animals. These plants and animals are adapted to different kinds of habitats and niches. How did these different organisms come to exist in the world? This is the…
EVOLUTION
Organic evolution is defined as the sum total of adaptive changes from pre-existing or old form that have taken place over a long time, resulting in diversity of forms, structures and functions among organisms. The concept behind organic evolution is…
Study Guide
