Evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by several key mechanisms:
* Natural selection: Individuals with traits that make them better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring.
* Genetic variation: Mutations and sexual reproduction introduce new genetic variations into populations.
* Genetic drift: Random changes in gene frequencies within a population, particularly important in smaller populations.
This process of descent with modification over vast periods of time has resulted in the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
