the occurrence and build-up of mutations in the genetic sequence of an organism.

- Mutations are predominantly random

- can occur naturally through errors in the reproductive process

- through environmental impacts such as chemicals or radiation.

a natural mechanism by which the fittest members of a species survive

- pass on their genetic information

- weakest are eliminated (die off) because they are unable to compete in the wild.

Speciation

members of a species mutate to the point where they are no longer able to breed with other members of the same species.

- The new population becomes a reproductively isolated community that is unable to breed with its former community. - the genes of the new population become isolated.

Natural Selection

Microevolution