What are the four processes leading to biological evolution?

The four processes leading to biological evolution are indeed accurately captured by mutation, natural selection, migration, and genetic drift. Each of these processes plays a critical role in shaping the genetic diversity and adaptation of populations over time.

Mutation introduces new genetic variations into a population's gene pool, which are essential for providing the raw material upon which natural selection can act. These mutations can be caused by various factors, such as environmental radiation or errors in DNA replication, and they can lead to new traits that may or may not be advantageous.

Natural selection is the process where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing these advantageous traits to the next generation. This leads to a gradual change in the population's characteristics over many generations.

Migration, or gene flow, occurs when individuals or their gametes move between populations. This movement can introduce new alleles into a population, which can increase genetic diversity and affect evolutionary trajectories, particularly in small or isolated populations.

Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, particularly in small populations. These random events can lead to significant changes over time, including the loss of genetic variations and the fixation of certain traits, independent of natural selection.

Understanding these four mechanisms provides insights into how species evolve