ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to all those who supported
and contributed to this research.
First, I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to our
school Director, Mrs. Asha Arora ma’am, and our school Principal, Ms.
Sita Sethi ma’am and my subject teachers for providing the necessary
resources and a great learning environment.
Finally, I am deeply grateful to my parents for their constant support,
patience, and motivation throughout this journey.
YOUR NAME:
INDEX
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Evolution
Introduction
Evolution is the process by which living organisms change gradually over long periods of time.
These changes help organisms survive better in their environment. Evolution explains the
diversity of life on Earth. The theory of evolution was scientifically explained by Charles Darwin.
Theory of Evolution
The word evolution means “gradual change.” In biology, evolution refers to changes in the
inherited characteristics of organisms over many generations. These changes occur due to
variations in organisms and environmental pressures.
Lamarck’s Theory (Inheritance of Acquired Characters)
He proposed that organisms acquire new traits during their lifetime in response to environmental
changes, and these acquired traits are passed on to the next generation. This idea is known as
the inheritance of acquired characters.
*Darwin Theory of evolution*
Charles Darwin and His Contribution
Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural
selection. During his voyage on the ship HMS Beagle, he observed different species, especially
finches on the Galápagos Islands. He noticed that organisms adapted according to their
environment. In 1859, he published his famous book On the Origin of Species.
*Evidence of Evolution*
Evolution is supported by several types of evidence:
Fossils – Show how organisms have changed over time.
Homologous organs – Organs with the same structure but different functions (e.g., human arm
and bat wing).
Vestigial organs – Reduced organs with little or no function (e.g., human appendix).
Embryological evidence – Similarities in early stages of development among organisms.
*Factors affecting evolution*
Evolution is influenced by several factors that cause changes in organisms over long periods of
time. These factors lead to variations and the formation of new species.
1. Natural Selection
Natural selection is the process by which organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce.
Steps:
a. Overproduction of offspring
b. Struggle for existence
c. Survival of the fittest
d. Inheritance of useful traits
e. Natural selection plays a major role in evolution.
2. Mutation
Mutation is a sudden change in the genetic material (DNA).
Mutations create new traits.
Some mutations are harmful, some neutral, and some beneficial.
Beneficial mutations help organisms survive and reproduce.
3. Genetic Drift
Genetic drift is a random change in gene frequency in a small population.
It can cause loss of useful traits.
It occurs due to chance events like natural disasters.
Example:
A natural disaster reducing population size.
Conclusion
Evolution is a continuous and natural process that explains how life on Earth has developed and
diversified. Through natural selection and adaptation, organisms become better suited to their
environment. Understanding evolution helps us understand the past, present, and future of life.
Bibliography
NCERT Biology Textbook – Class X,
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi.
Pradeep’s Biology – Class 10,
Pradeep Publications.
Educational Websites:
NCERT official website