Question

How are the hereditary changes responsible for evolution? 

Answer 1

Hereditary characteristics are passed down from parents to children. These characteristics are perpetuated through inheritance. However, genes that help organisms adapt to their surroundings are more likely to be passed down to subsequent generations. This is due to natural selection.

The process of evolution happens at a very slow pace. Favourable genes are retained in species because they improve individual survival. Such an individual reproduces more effectively and evolves. Individuals with unfavourable genes are not naturally selected and are eventually eliminated from the population through natural death. Thus, inherited modifications provide the true fuel for evolution.