Biology: Evolution: General selection rules?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of natural selection and its role in evolution, as well as the influence of other forms of selection such as technological and cultural selection. It also mentions the effects of genetic drift and other internal genetic factors, and the study of sociobiology in understanding the evolution of human behavior. The conversation ends with a thank you note to @jim mcnamara.
  • #1
ORF
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Hello

In evolution, the archetype rule is the "natural selection" rule. Are the other selection rules? (technological selection rules, cultural rules, etc)

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
ORF
 
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  • #2
Natural selection has always been around. The other forms of selection you seem to be reffering to can be derived from natural selection, since through evolution humans have become intelligent enough to advance to the age of technology(for example) and it(natural selection) is an ongoing process since we continue to improve technology and improve cultural conditions( e.g. end of segregation) to not only improve our way of life but BETTER OUR CHANCES OF SURVIVAL.
 
  • #3
I am not fully clear on the meaning of your question. I am guessing it amounts to what are the major drivers of evolution.

Natural selection is the natural environment's affect upon a population's collective genome(s), molding it to be its most adaptive in that environment.
(Adaptive meaning reproducing to generate reproductive offspring.)

Besides natural selection there are similar selections under the control or influenced by people (artificial selection). Not all the effects of human selection are the result of human intent.
Some traits can arise when something else is under selection (see fox domestication). Foxes were basically selected for tameness (being "friendly" to humans). It resulted in foxes with more juvenile traits and neurochemical changes, among other things.
Other selections can be unplanned but very useful (see wheat domestication). It is thought that repeated cycle of ancient people harvesting and then sowing new crops of pre-wheat resulted in a selection for plants and seeds that were better suited to being a domesticated crop (larger seed, seeds stay on plant until harvested).

The biggie in my mind however is genetic drift which works generally in opposition to various kinds of selection. Because it changes genomes, it is considered an evolutionary process. Drift causes sequences not under strong selection to maintain some function to change randomly over time.
Both drift and selection can operate at the same time. In larger populations, selection will have stronger effects. In smaller populations the effects of drift will be increased. Very small breeding populations (such as in research labs or in small breeder establishments) drift can often have inadvertent adverse effects.

Other evolutionary influences might include mutation, migration/isolation, and indirectly environmental disturbances. These could be natural, human caused or human influenced.

There are also drivers internal to the genetic system like selfish genes and molecular drive which can result in the amplification of particular genetic elements.
 
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  • #4
There is a whole field of study - Sociobiology is the scientific study of the ecological and evolutionary effects of social behavior in animals and humans.
Humans are hypersocial -and so are very much the result of these behaviors interacting with the environment -> altering the human genome.

I think this is what you mean, correct me if not the case.
 
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  • #5

1. What is evolution?

Evolution is the process by which living organisms change and adapt over time, resulting in the diversity of species that we see today.

2. What are the general selection rules in biology?

The general selection rules in biology refer to the principles of natural selection, which include variation, heritability, and differential reproductive success. These rules dictate that individuals with advantageous traits will be more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to future generations.

3. How does natural selection lead to the development of new species?

Natural selection can lead to the development of new species through the process of speciation. This occurs when a population of organisms becomes isolated from the rest of their species and undergoes genetic changes over time, resulting in the formation of a new species.

4. What role do mutations play in evolution?

Mutations are the source of genetic variation within a species. They can introduce new traits that may be advantageous or detrimental to an organism's survival. Through the process of natural selection, beneficial mutations can be selected for and passed on to future generations, leading to evolutionary change.

5. How does the environment influence evolution?

The environment plays a crucial role in evolution as it is the driving force behind natural selection. Changes in the environment can create selective pressures that favor certain traits over others, leading to the evolution of new species or adaptations within a species.

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