The Association between Evolution and Genetics

Charles Darwin's famed voyage on the HMS Beagle is the most famous study of evolution, but it was only the beginning of the theory's fame.

Feb 12, 2009 was the 200th anniversary of Darwin's Birth. Referred to as Darwin Day, a number of countries and institutions celebrated the naturalist's birth and the contributions he made to science both during and after his lifetime.

But Darwin did more than establish the theory of evolution, you can read his biography here or complete works here.

Evolution is the process by which speciation (the creation of species) occurs. Each type of organism is a species, divided into these groupings by characteristics such as anatomy and physiology. Evolution also refers to the adaptations that occur in organisms, such as treatment resistance in pathogens. The scientific theory of evolution is based on more than 150 years of research and observation, most notably by British scientist Charles Darwin, who recognized adaptational mutations in species isolated on the Galapagos Islands in the 1800s.

Evolution is a relatively slow process, requiring reproduction events and generations in which to unfold. The process of evolution is the mechanism by which natural selection occurs. Natural selection is also known as survival of the fittest, meaning reproduction fitness. The organisms within a population who are best adapted to their environment have a better chance of reproducing and passing along their genes, including any mutation that may be present in the genomes. Over several generations...To read more click here.

Photo is the illustration of Darwin's finches, which he observed on the Galapagos Islands - isolated from mainland populations, the birds developed variable physical characteristics from the mainland birds, which made them better suited to survive there based on the ability of birds with certain characteristics reproducing better and becoming the main population on the island)