What is the definition of evolution in biological terms?

The definition of evolution in biological terms focuses on the gradual changes that occur in populations over time, specifically regarding heritable traits. This process involves the mechanisms of natural selection, genetic drift, mutations, and gene flow, which collectively contribute to the development and adaptation of populations in response to their environments. As these traits are passed down through generations, they can lead to significant changes in the population’s characteristics and behaviors.

This explanation underlines the essential idea that evolution is not merely about the origins of life or immediate changes due to external interventions like genetic engineering. Instead, it encapsulates a broader and more profound concept of how species adapt and evolve over long periods, driven by the accumulation of small genetic variations that enhance fitness in a given environment. The process does not support the idea of spontaneous generation, which has been debunked by modern science, further affirming why the other options do not accurately convey the concept of evolution.