Expert: Christopher Rosch - 1/24/2006

Question
What is the primary mechanism of evoultion?

Answer
Hello Shana,

the primary mechanism of evolution is natural selection of mutations.

Mutations cause individual differences which are either neutral, advantageous or disadvantageous in the specific environment the individual lives in. By natural selection, disadvantageous mutations are eliminated, because individuals carrying such mutations have less success in reproduction than 'normal' individuals (if they reach reproductive age at all). Advantageous mutations on the other hand lead to greater success in reproduction, resulting in the propagation of advantageous mutations in a population.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution

Best regards,
Christopher