Kimura's Theory of Neutral Evolution- Module 7

     The one main difference between Kimura’s theory is that it says that changes in evolution are caused by genetic drift rather than natural selection. Kimura found that the protein polymorphisms observed were formed by genetic drift since their function did not change. Another important aspect of this theory is the removal of newly formed deleterious mutations.

    The theory of evolution by natural selection is the one that is more commonly heard of. This theory was proposed by Darwin and it states that species change to adapt to their needs by inheriting heritable traits. One main facet of this theory is that it is assumed that more offspring is produced than the amounts that are able to survive.

    They are both similar in the sense that they explain how organisms are able to adapt over time. Both theories describe how alleles are integrated. In Darwin’s theory phenotypes are what induce the change; in Kimura’s theory a change in phenotype is not required.   



Comments

  1. Maggie MalmbergMarch 23, 2021 at 7:42 PM

    Hi Prutha! It is interesting to note the difference in which evolutionary process is emphasized in each theory. In your first paragraph, you noted that Kimura said polymorphisms formed by genetic drift led to no change in function. Therefore, they would be labeled as neutral. Do you agree with Kimura's stance or do you better align with the Theory of Evolution by natural selection?Additionally, in your last paragraph you mentioned that both theories are similar based their ability to explain how organisms are able to adapt. How do you propose that the Theory of Neutral Evolution allows organisms to adapt? Were you able to find any evidence for this? Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Gibson HoefgenMarch 23, 2021 at 8:04 PM

    Hi Prutha!
    I like how you talked about protein polymorphisms being formed through genetic drift and the removal of deleterious mutations. I think that I more agree with Darwin's stance on natural selection and how traits are selected in an environment and they are more favorable in a population. I'm also new to understanding the Theory of Neutral Evolution so that might be why I'm more comfortable with Darwin's thinkings. I agree that both of these theories are rooted in understanding how organisms adapt and I find it interesting to compare the two.

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