Question
What do you understand by Neo Darwinism? Explain.
Answer
Neo-Darwinism is a term used to describe the modern synthesis of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection and Gregor Mendel’s theory of genetics. It combines the principles of natural selection and genetic variation to explain how populations change over time and how new species can arise.
Some key features of Neo-Darwinism include:
- Evolution occurs through the process of natural selection acting on genetic variation within a population.
- Genetic mutations provide the raw material for evolutionary change, but natural selection determines which mutations become fixed or lost over time.
- The mechanism of inheritance is governed by genes located on chromosomes, which undergo random assortment and recombination during sexual reproduction.
- Evolution is a gradual process that occurs over long periods of time but can be influenced by sudden events such as genetic drift, migration, and natural catastrophes.
