Evolutionary processes encompass the mechanisms by which biological variation arises, is sorted and is transmitted across generations. Mutation generates genetic novelty, natural selection filters ...

All complex biological systems—like the DNA, RNA and proteins constantly being copied and built within our cells—are prone to errors. That means as life evolved to be more elaborate, it also had to ...

Microorganisms—bacteria, viruses and other tiny life forms—may drive biological variation in visible life as much, if not more, than genetic mutations, creating new lineages and even new species of ...