Are humans involved in the natural selection process?

They put pressure on us to adapt in order to survive the environment we are in and reproduce. It is selection pressure that drives natural selection (‘survival of the fittest’) and it is how we evolved into the species we are today. Genetic studies have demonstrated that humans are still evolving.

How is evolution relevant to life?

Evolution explains how living things are changing today and how modern living things have descended from ancient life forms that no longer exist on Earth. As living things evolve, they generally become better suited for their environment. This is because they evolve adaptations.

Can harmful genetic variations be passed on to future generations?

For other harmful traits, a phenomenon called reduced penetrance, in which some individuals with a disease-associated variant do not show signs and symptoms of the condition, can also allow harmful genetic variations to be passed to future generations.

Is it possible for organisms to produce genetically identical offspring?

Yes. In nature, some plants and single-celled organisms, such as bacteria, produce genetically identical offspring through a process called asexual reproduction.

Are there any genetic disorders in humans?

Genetic Disorders. Many human diseases have a genetic component. Some of these conditions are under investigation by researchers at or associated with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). A genetic disorder is a disease caused in whole or in part by a change in the DNA sequence away from the normal sequence.

How do genetic variations arise?

Genetic variations can arise from gene variants (often called mutations) or from a normal process in which genetic material is rearranged as a cell is getting ready to divide (known as genetic recombination). Genetic variations that alter gene activity or protein function can introduce different traits in an organism.