"Evolution is a change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, driven by natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms."
Here's why:
* Change in genetic makeup: Evolution is about changes in the frequency of genes within a population, not just changes in individuals.
* Over time: Evolutionary changes happen gradually, over many generations.
* Natural selection: The primary driving force of evolution is natural selection, where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits on.
* Other evolutionary mechanisms: While natural selection is crucial, other mechanisms also play a role, such as genetic drift (random changes in gene frequencies), gene flow (migration of individuals between populations), and mutation (random changes in DNA).
This statement encompasses the key principles of modern evolutionary theory, emphasizing the importance of genetic change, the gradual nature of the process, and the role of both natural selection and other mechanisms.
