Somatic Evolution

Somatic evolution refers to the process where individual cells within an organism acquire genetic changes over time, leading to new traits. These cellular changes can give some cells advantages, like faster growth or resistance to damage, causing them to multiply more than others. This process is similar to natural evolution but occurs within a single body rather than across populations. Somatic evolution can contribute to health issues such as cancer, where abnormal cell growth results from accumulated mutations. It highlights how cellular populations adapt and change internally, influencing the health and development of the organism.