2007-01-18 08:54:40 · 6 answers · asked by Vader 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
in what?
2007-01-18 08:58:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't forget about the lifespan of the organism. When you count how many generations pass in a year, a bacterium may have 1,000 or more whereas one generation of a human is considered 30 years. If you need 10,000 generations for evolution to occur, you could observe evolution in bacteria in about 10 years. This is what has happened with antibiotic-resistant strains. For humans, it would be much longer to observe that many generations. So, I think it is impossible to accurately answer your question without some clarification....
2007-01-18 17:16:00 · answer #2 · answered by Ellie S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon the environment. If the environment constantly changes, the organisms will have to constantly change in order to adapt. If the environment stays relatively static, such as deep oceans, there is no need for change. This is why sharks are "living dinosaurs".
2007-01-18 17:03:31 · answer #3 · answered by YDoncha_Blowme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how much changed in the environment. Genetic (Evolution) change to adapt to situation. If the dinosaurs did not die out... would we be here?
2007-01-18 17:04:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A better question would be "how long does it take for 'speciation' (formation of a new species) to occur?" The answer is 750,000 years, according to my physical anthropology notes.
{edit} Ellie makes a good point. I think the 750,000 year number refers to hominids.
2007-01-18 17:00:56 · answer #5 · answered by donkeehotay999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And what unit of measure does one use for genetical change?
2007-01-18 16:57:35 · answer #6 · answered by scruffy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋