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Chapter 7

Evolution

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Evolution is a complex process of change over time. Natural selection is a key concept in evolutionary biology - it can be summarised as the selection process favouring traits that have led to greater numbers of organisms. Class 12 Biology Evolution proposes to teach about the most important subjects related to Evolution, such as population growth and variation, gene linkage, sexual reproduction and genetic drift. We will also explore the importance of natural selection when trying to understand Evolution. In Evolution NCERT Class 12, we will touch on kinetics and ecosystems. The goal is for students to leave with a complete understanding of how Evolution works and an appreciation for biological diversity. Evolution is a phenomenon occurring on Earth for billions of years. The animal kingdom has constantly been changing and adapting to new environments. As a result, Evolution is distinctly heterogeneous, depending on what species is evolving. For example, the Evolution of sharks might be different from the Evolution of chimpanzees because sharks are animals in which it's hard for any changes to occur, while chimpanzees are animals, and it is relatively easy for changes to occur. Class 12 Biology Evolution highlights different aspects of Evolution, and it includes learning about the process of natural selection, convergent Evolution, divergent Evolution, extinction, and much more. Evolution NCERT Class 12 talks about the process of natural selection and how it occurs.

Evolution

Every time you meet someone, they will be different from the last time – this is what evolution is all about. The process of change over a long period is due to random and gradual genetic variation. However, evolution in living organisms goes to different stages that pass through generations depending on experience & environment.

Evolution is not limited to one species, though, as it can happen in multiple forms, such as microbes and even physical structures like coral reefs. Depending on the situation and need of the species, it can help their survival. The need for survival is pivotal to evolution, where adapting to different environments becomes necessary. The process of evolution is complex, and its effects are also interconnected with many other organisms worldwide.

The first organisms evolved from inanimate chemicals that had no purpose until they formed a spark of life and became self-sustaining. Once this happens, the evolution of life starts. Through evolution, living matter forms into new species better adapted to their surroundings. The most common way is through random mutations and alterations. By probability, over some time, several of these mutations will occur at different time intervals and will be beneficial for the species.

In his book, "On the Origin of Species," Darwin came up with his theory of evolution, which he believed to be the solution for natural selection. He talked about the idea that life in all cases has evolved naturally from a common origin, and species have evolved accordingly. The idea of natural evolution is when there is a variation in the survival rate within a population of interacting organisms. As a result, these individuals are better adapted to survive while others die off. In his book, he stated this by saying:

"These new species will start as small groups, eventually growing more prominent as they continue to evolve and be influenced by other species.

 

Evolution can take place in many different ways. For one thing, evolution is a slow and gradual process that occurs over billions of years. However, human intervention can speed up and alter the characteristics of a species to make it better suited for its environment. Another mode of evolution is the punctuated equilibrium in which rapid evolutionary changes occur over a few generations, very much like how dogs are different from wolves. It occurs when there are rapid changes in their environment or when something new enters the ecosystem that causes change to occur within a short amount of time. This concept is explained more in-depth with Artificial Selection, which has to do with breeding animals with desired traits to create new species through breeding.

Divergent evolution is when the genes of two species evolve differently to inhabit different environments. If the genes do not change, they will not live in the environment, making them and their offspring vulnerable to various diseases and starvation. However, if their genes change, this will allow them to adapt better to their new environment, and these changes can be beneficial for that particular species. The best example of divergent evolution is the panda's bamboo diet because it allows them to survive in an entirely new type of environment.

Convergent Evolution occurs when one species adapts to its environment through more than one route, and it can occur on many levels, such as shape, size, or appearance. This type of evolution is when two species living in different areas have changes in their DNA to suit the environment better. For instance, the grasshopper mouse has adapted to live in the desert. Over time, they have mutated using social organisation and chemical warfare instead of physical strength to cope with their new surroundings.

Natural selection refers to how specific individuals within a population survive longer to reproduce, passing more copies of their genes on for future generations. This process is how different plants, animals, and insects evolve into different things. The best example of natural selection is when a species has to adapt to a new environment, and the individuals that are better suited for the environment will survive longer. It will cause their offspring to inherit some of the traits that made them better adapted, which will help them survive longer as well.

Over time, this new trait will spread throughout the population and eventually become the predominant trait in many individuals within a species.

Over time, life on Earth has changed dramatically through evolution. The characteristics of an organism will vary over time and how it functions within its ecosystem. As an example, the shape and size of the human body have different changes throughout history.

Humans have undergone a sudden change in their appearance over the past hundred years or so. One hundred years ago, people were pretty short, had dark hair, and were less muscular. Today, however, we have become taller and enjoy a better lifestyle. It is due to evolution taking place through natural selection.

Adaptive radiation occurs when a single species splits into multiple species and eventually goes extinct. When one species splits into another species, and both adapt to their surroundings, they can survive longer because those that failed to adapt cannot compete with the new ones, so they go extinct. It can also cause the extinction of other organisms that could not adapt or evolve and live for longer.

Many more different processes can be seen in evolution, but we cannot just explain it once. Adaptation and natural selection are two concepts that are especially important to understand as they can help us make sense of the world around us. Evolution is a process that occurs to all organisms on the planet, and it's suitable for their survival. Therefore, it can be considered one of the fascinating facts about life on Earth. Natural selection and its effects are difficult to understand, but with Evolution Ncert Class 12, you will better understand them. Evolution NCERT Class 12 is dedicated to giving you a comprehensive and informative idea of Biology, Evolution, and Life. You can download the MSVGo app today as it is the best NCERT solutions app in the market, which will help you clarify your doubts related to Class 12 Biology Evolution. MSVGo app is user-friendly and has an engaging interface that will help you learn better.

What is Parallel evolution?

Parallel Evolution is a natural selection that happens when a species is similar, allowing them to adapt to their environment in the same way. This will allow them to survive against new competitors and threats that arise, so they are not vulnerable anymore. For example, the Evolution of one deer will develop in another, and they will survive better. The factors that will cause this development are new environments or conditions, new forms of predators, or new resources. It indicates that an environmental change (pandemic) caused similar changes in different species.

What events cause the Divergent evolution?

Divergent evolution occurs when a species moves into an entirely new environment, so the genes will change over time to suit the new environment better. It can be a gradual or rapid process depending on how they are affected by their surroundings and how they adapt over time.

How common is convergence in living organisms?

Convergence is a very common occurrence among living organisms as it allows them to adapt to environmental changes over time. For example, the changes in the blue and white coloration of butterflies over time is due to convergent evolution. Now, they have adapted to their new surroundings and have become less vulnerable with their coloration.

What is Convergent evolution, and how is it difficult from Parallel Evolution?

Convergence is a very common occurrence among living organisms as it allows them to adapt to environmental changes over time. For example, the changes in butterflies' blue and white colouration over time are due to convergent evolution. They have adapted to their new surroundings and have become less vulnerable to colouration.

What is Convergent Evolution, and how is it difficult from Parallel Evolution?

For example, let's take two groups of birds. One group is known for flying, and another is known for swimming. If some survive in an area with predators, they will most likely develop these traits even if they don't have them naturally yet.

 

Thus, genetics and evolution is the study of the branch of biology that explains the evolution of life and diversity on planet earth. Charles Darwin is considered to be the pioneer in the study of Evolution as this word was first mentioned in his book in 1859, which also described in detail the process of “Survival of the fittest”.

For more information on Genetics and Evolution, watch videos on our app, MSVgo. The app can be downloaded on your mobile phone or computer. At msvgo.com, you’ll find easy to understand and crystal clear explanations of complex concepts of Maths and science. MSVgo is an e-learning app which has been developed to embark conceptual learning in the students from grade 6-12. MSVgo has been providing the students with a core understanding of the concepts. It is a video library which is a wondrous collaboration of concepts with animations and explanatory visualisation. This app contains high-quality videos based on the curriculum, ICSE, ISC, IGCSE and IB curriculum in India. You must check out the videos on MSVgo to understand concepts in-depth on this topic.

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