The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History - Lecture 1

Explore the foundations of evolutionary biology in this 43-minute lecture from Yale University's "Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior" course. Delve into the history of evolutionary studies, examining how the concept predates Darwin's groundbreaking work on natural selection. Understand the key components of evolution: microevolution and macroevolution. Learn about the driving forces behind evolutionary change, including natural selection, the correlation between organism traits and reproductive success, and random drift. Trace the history of life back 3.7 billion years to a common ancestor, and discover the pivotal events that have shaped all living organisms. Gain insights into the conditions necessary for natural selection, the power of adaptation, and the role of genetic drift in evolution. By the end of this comprehensive lecture, acquire a solid foundation in evolutionary biology and its far-reaching implications for understanding life on Earth.