what is evolution?

Question

someone please summarize evolution to me in a non scientific laguage, please

Answer 1

The previous ppl have already said quite a bit so i'll just say something important. An organism CANNOT evolve. The smallest unit that can evolve is a POPULATION of organisms. This is the starting point of understanding evolution. The next thing you need to know is that evolution must start with a change. For instance, a change in the temperature, climate, type of predators etc. When there is a change, for instance when a new flying predator that wasnt there previously appears in a habitat, then natural selection can occur, that is, organisms which are more adapted to survive this change are able to survive and reproduce. Carrying on our previous eg, the prey that are able to camouflage to their surroundings are able to escape being eaten and go on to reproduce. The next thing you need to know is that when they reproduce, they pass on the very advantageous trait that allowed their survival in the first place to their offspring. Therefore, now, that population contains more organisms which contain the advantageous trait, so the population evolves!

Also note that evolution has NO goal. It does not aim to produce some perfect species. It simply responds to the changes it is faced. As long as the earth continues to change, evolution will continue to adapt organisms to their new environments. Theres a lot more to learn so keep an inquiring mind ;)

Answer 2

im sure you understand that evolution is "survival of the fittest" but it is much much more, it is a type of natural selection that changes a species/genus of organism so much that it needs to be classified as something else.

normally, when an organism changes in some way, it dies, ex: growths impair functions, or a mental retardation.

occasionally a mutation is for the better ex:bigger brain or a stronger body.

After that those animals have to succesfully breed with many more individuals thus spreading that individual mutation.

most organisms have ways to breed with the strongest and fittest individuals. this makes that mutation spread, therefore more stronger/better animals.

It is a natural process that can take place over days,weeks,decades, or thousands of years

Answer 3

Evolution is the change that takes place in an organism in order for that thing to survive. There are two types 1. Micro evolution that takes place in a virus or bacteria and 1. Macro evolution that takes place in large things like people. Macro is subject to debate,

Answer 4

Evolution is a change in the genes of a population.

Answer 5

evolution is the (proven) theory of how over time living organisms adapted and evolved to better suit survival in their enviorments. Hence, a branch of ape's evolved to become homo homo sapiens(wise wise humans) and here we are.

Answer 6

Wikipedia "simple english" article on evolution:
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution

Answer 7

It is the process of physical and mental changes in people, plants and animals that enables them to become more and more sophisticated over time in response to their environment and surroundings.

Basically, "SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST"

Answer 8

Living organisms adapt to assure continued survival in their environment. Those that do not adapt, do not survive.

That is very basic.

Answer 9

Give this one a best answer! LOL!

Answer 10

darwinism