The Synthetic Theory of Evolution

The Synthetic Theory of Evolution, also known as the Modern Synthesis, combines Darwin's theory of natural selection with genetics. It explains how species change over time through genetic variation, which arises from mutations and genetic recombination. Natural selection then acts on this variation, favoring traits that improve survival and reproduction. Over generations, these changes accumulate, leading to the evolution of new species. This theory integrates evidence from fossils, genetics, and ecology to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes, emphasizing that evolution is driven by genetic changes and the environment's influence on survival.