Final answer:
The modern theory of evolution, a key concept in biology, explains the diversity of life as a result of changes in the characteristics of living organisms through natural selection and mutation, and is supported by a vast amount of evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The modern theory of evolution is a comprehensive explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. It is based on the phenomenon of evolution - a change in the characteristics of living organisms over time, which happens through a process called natural selection. Natural selection explains that individuals within a species vary, and those with advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass these beneficial traits to the next generation. This can lead to significant changes in populations over generations.
The theory is grounded in the idea that all living things have descended from a common ancestor. This concept is backed by enormous amounts of biological evidence, noting the core conserved characteristics that have remained unchanged across different life forms. Alongside natural selection, mutation introduces new genetic variations, providing raw material for evolution. The combined effect of genetic variation and natural selection leads to the evolution of species over time.
Moreover, the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory expands on Charles Darwin's initial insights by incorporating Mendelian genetics and population genetics, allowing scientists to track allele frequencies over time to study evolution at the population level. Considered the unifying theory of biology, evolution assists biologists in explaining a multitude of biological phenomena and framing scientific inquiries within evolutionary contexts. Theodosius Dobzhan sky's famous statement, "nothing makes sense in biology except in the light of evolution," emphasizes the importance of this theory in the biological sciences.