Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The rate of evolution refers to the speed at which genetic changes occur in a population over time.
Related terms
Mutation Rate: This is the frequency with which DNA sequences change within an organism's genetic material. It's like how often potholes appear on your driving route - more potholes (mutations) mean more chances for change (evolution).
This is a mechanism of evolution that causes random changes in population frequencies of two or more discrete traits. It's similar to how wind can randomly blow leaves (traits) around in different directions.
This is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. It's like choosing the fastest car for a race - it has better chances to win (survive and reproduce).