Science

What makes some genetic mutations more likely to persist through generations? How does an organism’s environment influence which traits get passed down? In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Daniel Dennett writes that natural selection shapes the development of species over time. The interplay between random mutations and environmental factors determines which traits become more prevalent in a population, leading to adaptations that help organisms survive. Read more to understand how natural selection in evolution works and the surprising ways even tiny genetic changes can make a significant difference in species survival.

What drives the incredible diversity of life on Earth? How can random changes lead to such complex and well-adapted organisms? According to Daniel Dennett, a fascinating algorithmic process transforms simple genetic changes into the rich tapestry of life we see today. In his book Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, he contends that the evolutionary algorithm is a repeated process of two steps over a long period of time. Read on to learn how the two steps of evolution—random mutations and natural selection—work together to create the remarkable adaptations we observe in nature.