Here's a breakdown:
* Evolution: The gradual change in the inherited traits of a population over many generations.
* Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area and capable of interbreeding.
* Allele Frequencies: The proportion of different forms (alleles) of a gene within a population.
The modern synthesis combines Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics. It explains that:
1. Mutations are the ultimate source of new alleles.
2. Natural selection acts on these variations, favoring individuals with traits that increase their chances of survival and reproduction.
3. Genetic drift, the random fluctuation of allele frequencies, especially in smaller populations, also plays a role.
4. Gene flow (migration of individuals between populations) can introduce new alleles or change existing frequencies.
In summary, the modern synthesis views evolution as a continuous process driven by changes in allele frequencies within populations, influenced by natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow.
