Insights What is Evolution: A Beginner’s Guide

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The discussion centers on the fundamental concepts of evolution, emphasizing its significance in biology. Evolution is defined as the change over time in inheritable traits within a population. Key terms related to evolution are clarified, including genome, genotype, allele, gene, mutation, and phenotype, which are essential for understanding how genetic variations contribute to evolutionary processes. The conversation highlights the ongoing interest in evolution among both scientists and the general public, prompting various questions and discussions about its implications and mechanisms. Educational resources are also mentioned to further explore the topic of evolution.
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Introduction to Evolution
The study of evolution has dominated the field of biology for over a century. Explaining why the life we see is as it is fascinating to scientists and non-scientists alike. Thanks to this fascination several questions often come up about evolution; this primer contains some FAQs, key facts, and educational links on evolution.
Key terms
Genome – the entire genetic sequence in an organism
Genotype – the entire complement of genes in an organism
Allele – a version of one gene (genes can have multiple versions)
Gene – sequence of DNA that codes for a protein
Mutation – alteration in the DNA sequence
Phenotype – the entire complement of physical traits shown by an organism (created by the interaction of biology and environment)
What is evolution?
Evolution is the change over time of inheritable traits within a population, the study of evolution looks into...

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