The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History (Essay Sample)

The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History
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Evolution refers to intensive framework that combines chemistry and physics to explain biological phenomena. The advocates of evolution contend that inherited characteristics change over a vast period. Scientists argue that the evolution is one of the unifying forces in the contemporary biology although it remains a great source of controversy, as well as misunderstanding. The popular theory of natural selection proposed by Darwin holds that the earth and its occupiers have changed significantly in a period of many years (Forbes and Krimmel, 2010). A corpus of literature agrees that three principles that explain evolution exist. The principles include natural selection, inheritance, and history. This paper discusses the principles of natural selection, inheritance, and history that explain the evolution.
The principle of natural selection argues that organisms produce many offspring to increase their chances of survival. The principle is characterized by adaptation and fitness, as well as differential rates of reproduction (Calow, 2009). A research by Gassmann, Onstad, and Pittendrigh indicates that organisms produce many offspring to avoid extinction. However, the environment may affect the survival of the some offspring. Gassmann, Onstad and Pittendrigh (2009) assert that the only organisms that are well adapted to the environment survive, and pass their traits to their descendants. In effect, the genetic material of the descendants changes to make them adaptable to the environment. Thus, the variation of organisms in reproductive success is attributable to nature selection. In essence, nature selects the organisms best suited to survive in a particular environment.
The principle of inheritance proposes that organisms change genetically in each successive generation. The change entails the transfer of genetic material from one generation to another. A study by Forbes and Krimmel shows that genetic changes occur through mutation of specific genetic sequences. Consequently, successive generations inherit the changes on genetic information. Forbes and Krimmel (2010) contend that the inheritable traits contribute to the evolution. According to the principle of inheritance, mutation in the gene sequence leads to physical variations of organisms. Scientists such as Mendel attempted to explain the inheritance of mutations through statistical methods (Forbes and Krimmel, 2010). Thus, inheritance is a significant principle that elucidates evolution.
Evolutionary biologists contend that the history explains the changes observed in organisms. The principle of history holds that all organisms originated from one tree of life (Calow, 2009). For instance, the multicellular such as plants and fungi developed from the bacteria and other simple life-forms. In effect, symbiotic relationships among different organisms resulted in the development of complex life-forms. A research by Gluckman, Low, Hanson, and Beedle indicates that scientists use the evolutionary principles to tackle emerging health issues. Gluckman et al (2011) assert that evolutionary biology is crucial in providing insights regarding the cure of many diseases. Hence, the principle of history supports evolution and contributes positively to the discovery of therapies.
In conclusion, the principles of selection, inheritance, and history explain evolution. The principles describe the major changes observed in organisms. According to the principle of natural selection, organisms produce many offspring to increase their...