Evolution

• A mutation is a spontaneous, random change to the genetic material of an organism that is the sole source of new alleles
• Mutations can either have advantageous, neutral, or disadvantageous effects to an organism
• Mutations are effected by several environmental factors, such as

  radiation and chemicals
• An inherited characteristic that is advantageous to survival is known as an adaptation
• Variation is the differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population that make evolution possible.
• Natural Selection and Survival of the Fittest are the two main principles of evolution
• Speciation is when a new species is formed after becoming isolated due to an isolation barrier.
• Isolation barriers could be

  Geographical

  Ecological

  Behavioural
• New alleles can arise in sub populations becuase of mutations