ABSTRACT
Chapter 10 lists three eras for categorizing an understanding of evolution. It briefly describes the Darwinian synthesis, uses most of the chapter for outlining the modern synthesis, and leaves the postmodern era for Chapter 11. It further breaks the modern synthesis into molecular evolution, microevolution, and macroevolution. The basic premise of molecular evolution is presented as coding information within DNA and RNA. A microevolution definition of evolution is presented as “a change in allele frequency.” Four ways that allele frequency can change are described as mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection. Descriptions for morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations are presented. The point is made that natural selection does not create adaptations, it only selects among them. Particular types of evolution and selection are described, including convergent evolution, sexual selection, gametic selection, species selection, and kin selection. Sociobiology as it relates to kin selection is defined. The chapter finishes with the caveat that the modern synthesis tells only part of the evolution story, leaving out most of the discoveries made after 1950. These further discoveries are covered in the postmodern understanding (Chapter 11).
