Final answer:
The basic assumptions of the evolutionary perspective in biology are natural selection, mutation and variation, and common ancestry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic assumptions of the evolutionary perspective in biology are:
- Natural selection: The guiding force that shapes why living things are the way they are. It favors individuals with traits that are beneficial for their environment, allowing them to survive and reproduce.
- Mutation and variation: Provides the raw material for evolution. Random changes in the DNA of organisms can give rise to new traits and characteristics.
- Common ancestry: All living organisms share a common ancestor and have evolved through a process of descent with modification over millions of years.
These assumptions help biologists understand how and why species have evolved and adapted to different environments.