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Evolution Theory and Natural Selection

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What does the term "descent with modification" mean as it relates to the evolutionary term of natural selection? What evidence lends supports?

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This solution explains "descent with modification" as it relates to the evolutionary term of natural selection. Fossil evidence as support for the idea of "descent with modification" is also detailed.

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1. What does the term "descent with modification" mean as it relates to evolutionary term of natural selection?

Charles Darwin's publication of "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" contributed to the modern understanding of evolution. In 1859, Charles Darwin's Darwin presented an extensive catalogue of evidence to show that all living creatures have descended from ancestors unlike themselves. This is referred to "descent with modification," that all living creatures have descended from ancestors unlike themselves through modification. He proposed a dynamic, natural mechanism, which he called "natural selection," to explain "descent with modification." (1)

Thus, evolution can be defined as descent with modification from a common ancestor, but exactly what has been modified? Evolution only occurs when there is a change in gene ...

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