Evolution: the basics

In short: Evolution refers to the change of living organisms over generations. Charles Darwin explained it through natural selection: individuals with advantageous traits have more offspring.

In more detail: The basis are variation and inheritance: traits differ and are passed on (dna-und-gene).

In detail

• Variation: Through random mutations and recombination of genes.
• Selection: Environmental conditions decide which variants prevail.
• Adaptation: The result is a fit to the habitat, not a goal or plan.
• Evidence: Fossils, comparative anatomy, DNA comparisons, observed evolution (bacterial resistance).
• Speciation: Separated populations diverge.
• Common descent: All living things are related; humans descend from primates.
• Misunderstandings: “Survival of the fittest” means best adapted, not the strongest.
• Science: Evolutionary theory is a well-supported theory, not mere belief (dinosaurier-und-massenaussterben).