what is it that is actually changing over millions of years within a population when we consider evolution?
the genetic makeup
life expectancy age
ability to resist disease
coloration of the population
All of the above factors can potentially change over millions of years in a population due to the process of evolution, but the fundamental driving force behind this change is the genetic makeup of the population. Over time, mutations, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection can all contribute to changes in the frequencies of different genetic variations within a population, which can then impact various traits such as lifespan, disease resistance, and physical appearance. Ultimately, evolution is a result of changes in the genetic makeup of a population that lead to differences in phenotype and fitness.
When considering evolution over millions of years, the primary factor that changes within a population is the genetic makeup. Evolution occurs due to changes in the genetic material (DNA) of individuals within a population over successive generations. These genetic changes may result from mutations, which are random alterations in the DNA sequence.
These genetic changes can lead to the emergence of new traits and variations within a population. Some of these variations may provide individuals with advantages, such as increased ability to resist diseases or improved coloration for camouflage. As a result, individuals with beneficial genetic variations are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on these advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process, known as natural selection, leads to the accumulation of favorable genetic traits in the population, and the prevalence of certain characteristics may change.
It is important to note that life expectancy age is influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, access to resources, and social factors, which can affect evolution indirectly. However, life expectancy itself is not directly a driving force of evolutionary change in a population.