Back
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

evolved

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Evolved means to change over time in a way that is adaptive. This means that the changes that occur make the organism better able to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Evolution is a slow process that happens over many generations. It is driven by natural selection, which is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

There are many different factors that can affect evolution, including:

  • Genetic variation: All organisms have some genetic variation, which means that they are not identical to their parents. This variation is essential for evolution because it allows for the development of new traits that can be passed on to future generations.
  • Natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This means that the traits that make an organism better adapted to its environment are more likely to be passed on to future generations.
  • Mutation: Mutations are changes in the DNA of an organism. Mutations can be caused by environmental factors, such as radiation, or they can occur randomly. Mutations can sometimes be beneficial, and they can lead to the development of new traits that can be passed on to future generations.
  • Genetic drift: Genetic drift is the random change in the frequency of genes in a population. Genetic drift can occur when there is a small population, or when there is a bottleneck event, such as a natural disaster. Genetic drift can sometimes lead to the loss of beneficial traits or the development of new traits that are not beneficial.

Evolution is a complex process, but it is essential for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.

How can the word be used?

The evolved human brain is capable of complex thought.

evolved

Different forms of the word

Noun: evolution, development.

Adjective: evolved, evolutionary.

Verb: to evolve, to develop.

Etymology

The word "evolved" comes from the Latin word evolvere, which means "to unfold, to develop." It was first used in English in the 17th century, and it is still used today to refer to the process of change over time.

Question

What things evolve?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain how organisms have evolved over time and the factors that drive this process. Provide examples of evolutionary adaptations that have led to the success of certain species.

Answer:

Evolution is the gradual change in heritable traits within a population over generations. It occurs due to natural selection, genetic drift, and other mechanisms. Organisms with advantageous traits that better suit their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on these traits to their offspring.

For example, the peppered moth (Biston betularia) in England experienced a notable adaptation during the industrial revolution. Initially, the majority of moths were light-coloured, camouflaging against light tree bark. However, as industrial pollution darkened the trees, a darker variant of the moth became advantageous, as it could blend into the polluted environment better, leading to an increase in the dark-coloured population.

Another example is the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Exposure to antibiotics creates selective pressure, favouring bacteria with resistance genes. These resistant bacteria survive and multiply, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.

In conclusion, evolution is driven by natural selection and other factors, leading to the adaptation of organisms to their changing environment. Examples like the peppered moth and antibiotic-resistant bacteria illustrate the significance of evolutionary mechanisms in shaping the success of species.