Natural Selection and Evolution

When does "evolution" occur? An algorithmic approach.

What is needed for evolution to occur?

(Note, this is different from stating that this is all that occurs in evolution)

• Offspring not identical to parents
• More offsring than necessary
• Competition for resources, mates => survival of the fittest.

What processes in biological evolution go beyond inheritance with variation and selection? (We'll discuss many of the following later in the semester.)

• Horizontal gene transfer and recombination
• Polyploidization (botany, vertebrate evolution) see here
• Fusion and cooperation of organisms (Kefir, lichen, also the eukaryotic cell)
• Targeted mutations (?), genetic memory (?) (see Foster's and Hall's reviews on directed/adaptive mutations; see here for a counterpoint)
• Random genetic drift
• Gratuitous complexity
• Selfish genes (who/what is the subject of evolution??)
• Parasitism, altruism, Morons, gene transfer agents