The Biological Evolution section answers questions about the evolution of life on earth, providing discussions of evolutionary theory and its applications to specific examples. The idea underpinning the section is that of replicators, or entities that can be copied - a concept first expounded upon by the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins.

Biological Evolution Contents

Introduction to Genetics: You will examine the basic mode of inheritance for all life on earth, gaining a familiarity with genetics and heredity that will provide a firm foundation for further exploration.

Natural Selection: You will study in detail the mechanism that propels all evolutionary change, first proposed by Charles Darwin.

Other Types of Selection: You can see and explore the different variants of natural selection that exist in nature, learning about artificial, sexual, and kin selection in detail.

The Origin of Life on Earth: Discover the theories about processes that could have given rise to all life on earth by creating self-replicating entities.

Genes as Replicators: You will explore the concept of replicators as it applies to its most familar example, the gene.

Replicators in Evolution: Examine the ways in which genes fit into evolution, including the concept of gene-based natural selection and its logical results.

The Immune System: Study one excellent example of a complex evolved system, and learn how evolution and natural selection play a major role in its everyday operation.

Immunity and Arms Races: You can explore the age-old conflict between the immune system and the pathogens it combats, and discover the modern problems caused by evolution in pathogens.

Genetic Engineering Methods: Biological evolution has been taken to a new level by human genetic engineers - find out about the methods they use for their unique work.

Genetic Engineering Debates: Genetic engineering has become an extremely controversial topic - discover the viewpoints of its proponents and critics.

Interesting Ideas in Evolution: Explore unusual and unique speculations involving applications of evolution to various aspects of the physical world.

Biological Evolution Quiz: Test your knowledge of the topics and concepts presented in this section by taking our quiz!