what drives evolution

Answer 1

Evolution is driven by a combination of genetic variation, natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Genetic variation occurs through random mutations in DNA that can create new traits or variations within a population. Natural selection acts on these variations, favoring those traits that provide a survival and reproductive advantage in a given environment. Genetic drift refers to the random changes in gene frequencies that can occur in small populations, while gene flow involves the movement of genes between populations through migration. Together, these processes drive the gradual change and adaptation of species over time.