What is organic evolution?
Quick Answer
Organic evolution are the events involved in the evolutionary development of a species. It means that all life descended from other life, although features may have changed dramatically along the way.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Organic evolution involves modifications to existing species, not the development of new ones. Charles Darwin came up with an explanation of evolution known today as Darwinism. Darwinism explains an organism's struggle to exist as well as survival of the fittest and acquired characteristics. J.B. Lamarck believed organic evolution happened because future generations inherited specific characteristics and his theories came before Darwinism.
Examples of organic evolution include organs that are different in structure, but perform similar functions. A dolphin's flippers and a human's arms are examples of organic evolution. Biogeography suggests that certain species developed characteristics to help them survive in different parts of the world. One creature's hands, for example, may only be suitable to the area in which that creature lives and would be useless in another area of the world. Divergence is the process in which organisms develop new, unique traits unknown to their ancestors.
Part of evolution involves the mutation theory. The mutation theory suggest that mutations in genes can be found in all living organisms. Darwinism combined with the mutation theory form Neo-Darwinism, the modern theory of evolution.
Learn more about BiologyRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?
A: Divergent evolution is the process of two or more related species becoming more and more dissimilar, while convergent evolution is unrelated species becomi... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is divergent evolution?
A: Divergent evolution is the mechanism that causes different species to arise from common ancestors, the evolution toward greater difference in related organ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is mosaic evolution?
A: Mosaic evolution occurs when the gene alleles of an organism or species evolve at different rates. Marks of mosaic evolution include the development of fea... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does comparative embryology support the theory of evolution?
A: Comparative embryology supports the theory of evolution because scientists have found that the embryos of many different species show similarities, which i... Full Answer >Filed Under:
