Post-Darwinian Theories of Evolution
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection revolutionized our understanding of how species develop and adapt over time. However, since Darwin’s time, scientists have proposed several additional theories and modifications to Darwin’s original ideas. These post-Darwinian theories of evolution build upon and refine Darwin’s work, offering new perspectives and insights into the mechanisms driving evolutionary change.
Neo-Darwinism, also known as the Modern Synthesis, combines Darwin’s theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics. It emphasizes the role of genetic variation and mutation as the basis for evolutionary change. According to neo-Darwinism, variations in genes arise through mutations, and the survival and reproduction of individuals with advantageous traits lead to the spread of those traits in subsequent generations. This theory places a strong emphasis on the gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time.
Example: The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a classic example of neo-Darwinian evolution. Bacteria that possess a mutation conferring resistance to an antibiotic have a survival advantage and are more likely to reproduce, leading to the proliferation of resistant strains.
