What is the basic unit of evolution according to biological principles?

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The concept of evolution fundamentally revolves around the change in genetic traits within populations over generations. The basic unit of evolution is the population, which consists of individuals of the same species that interbreed and share a common gene pool. Through processes like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation, populations adapt to their environments over time, leading to evolutionary change.

While species can be seen as a broader classification of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, they are not the direct unit of evolution itself. Evolution operates at the population level as variations within the population can lead to adaptations and, ultimately, speciation if the changes are significant enough over time.

Ecosystems and communities, while important ecological concepts, describe interactions among various populations and species rather than serving as units of evolutionary change. Hence, understanding evolution in terms of populations provides clarity on how species adapt and evolve over time.

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