COURSE TITLE:

EVOLUTION &
PRINCIPLES OF SYSTEMATICS
SUBMITTED TO:
MA’M SIDRA SAEED
SUBMITTED BY:
NOOR FATIMA
Modern (1003)
SIDRA RAZZAQ

synthetic theory (1007)

AFIA MEHREEN
(1031)
of evolution MARYAM
ASHRAF(1037)
SADIA ABBASI
(1049)

6 SEMESTER (M)
ZOOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
OKARA
(RENALA CAMPUS)
 MODERN SYNTHETIC THEORY OF EVOLUTION:
Weakest point in Darwin’s theory of natural selection lies in lack of understanding about
mechanism of heredity. Enrichment of Darwin’s theory by perspectives of population genetic,
as well as, the finding of Paleontology and Biogeography is called modern synthesis (Neo-
Darwinism). Modern synthesis is merger of Darwinian selection and genetic theory. Point
mutations and genetic recombination’s are source of variation.

Modern understanding in cytology, genetics, population genetics and evolution gave a

way for formulation of a coherent theory called modern synthesis around 1930’s by Wright,
Muller, Huxley, Fisher, Haldane and some other scientists.

The Modern Synthetic theory of Evolution explains the evolution of life in terms of
genetic changes occurring in the populations that leads to the formation of new species. It also
explains about the genetic population or mendelian population, gene pool and the gene
frequency. The concepts coming under this synthetic theory of evolution includes the genetic
variations, reproductive and geographical isolation and the natural selection.

The theory gave a new definition about the evolution as “the changes occurring in the
allele frequencies within the populations” which emphasizes on the genetics of evolution.

Accessory Factors in Synthetic Theory

Gene Migration (Gene flow):

The movement of individuals from one place to another is called migration. If the

migrating individuals breed within the new population, the immigrants will add new alleles to

the local gene pool of the host population.This is called gene migration. Sometimes two popu -

lations of a species which were separated come to close due to migration. The genes of two

populations intermingle through breeding and the result causes variations in the offspring.

Genetic Drift:
 The term genetic drift refers to the elimination of certain traits when a section of a

population migrates or dies of natural calamity. It alters the gene frequency of remaining

population which causes variation. It is named after the American geneticist Sewall Wright who

realised its evolutionary significance. Although genetic drift occurs in all populations, its effects

are most marked in very small isolated population

Nonrandom Mating:

Repeated mating between individuals of certain selected traits changes the gene

frequency. The selection of more brightly coloured male bird by a female bird may increase the

gene frequency of bright colour in the next generation.

Hybridization:

It is the crossing of organisms which are genetically different in one or more traits

(characters). It helps in intermingling of genes of different groups of the same variety, species

and sometimes different species.

Descriptive Factors of Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution:

There are some factors describing the modern theory of synthetic evolution which are
as explained below-

 Recombination or Variation
 Recombination of the new genotypes from the existing genes.
 The gene combinations having same individuals with two kinds of alleles, mixing of the
chromosomes during sexual reproduction of two parents produce new individuals.
 An exchange of the chromosomal pairs of alleles during the meiosis which is called as
crossing over produce the new form of gene combinations.
 Chromosomal mutations like deletion, inversion, duplication, translocation, polyploidy
result in the recombination.

 Mutation
 Alteration in the chemistry of gene (DNA) is able to change its phenotypic effect called
point mutation or gene mutation
 This produces a various number of changes that may be harmful.
 Many of the mutant forms of genes are recessive to the normal genes in a homozygous
condition.
 These mutations cause variations in offsprings
 Mutations are of two types: chromosomal mutations and gene mutations.

(a) Chromosomal Mutations:

These are due to changes in chromosome number and changes in structure.

(b) Gene Mutations:

When the changes are in gene structure and expression due to addition, deletion

substitution or inversion of nucleotides these are called gene mutations. The frequency

of gene mutations varies from gene to gene. Rate of gene mutation is increased by the

presence of radiations and certain chemicals called mutagens.

 Heredity
 The transmission occurring in the variations from the parents to their offsprings is a
primary mechanism in the evolution.
 The organisms which possess hereditary properties are favored in the struggle for the
existence. By this, the offsprings benefit from the characteristics of parents.

 Natural selection
 Natural selection produces a change in the frequency of the genes from one generation
to the other favoring the differential form of the reproduction.
 The natural selection process creates an adaptive relation between the environment
and the population through various combinations of genes
 Does not produce genetic change, but once it has occurred it acts to encourage some
genes over others.
  By favouring some gene combinations, rejecting others and constantly modifying and
molding the gene pool

 Isolation
 It is one among the significant factor responsible for the synthetic theory of evolution.
 The isolation helps in preventing the interbreeding of related organisms which is a
reproductive form of isolation.
 Isolation of organisms of a species into several populations or groups
 Under psychic, physiological or geographical factors is supposed to be one of the most
significant factors responsible for evolution
 Geographical barriers include physical barriers Rivers, oceans, high mountains which
prevent interbreeding between related organisms
 Physiological barriers help in maintaining the individuality of the species

 Speciation (origin of new species)

The populations of a species present in the different environments and are separated by
geographical and physiological barriers, accumulate different genetic differences (variations)
due to mutations, recombination, hybridization, genetic drifts and natural selection. These
populations, therefore, become different from each other morphologically and genetically, and
they become reproductively isolated, forming new species.
Darwinism neo-Darwinism

didn't explain heridity explains heridity

no genetic concept descibe genetics with darwinism

didn't explain altruistic acts explains altruistic acts