Charles Darwin is known for his theory of evolution. One of his well-known works: "The Origin of Life".

Natural selection is the driving factor in many cases of evolution. An example of evolution through natural selection would be the changes in colour of the peppered moths of England during the Industrial Revolution.

Meiosis allows for sexual reproduction and genetic variety, both important factors in the process of evolution. Meiosis enables generations and gamete fusion.

Evolution is dependent on genetic variation to occur. Thus mutations are quite significant, allowing for the process to occur.

Darwin studied the finches of the Galapagos Islands. The birds helped him in forming his theory of evolution.

Through his voyage and studies, he was convinced of what he is now most known for, the idea of natural selection.

Random changes in a sequence(s) of DNA results in genetic variability.

Meiosis results in genetic variety/variability. An example of a meiotic process that results in variability would be crossing-over/synapsis.

The evolution of finches of the Galapagos Islands allowed Darwin to conclude the idea known as "natural selection".

Similar embryonic development of different species indicates evolution. An example of similar embryology would be that of humans and dolphins.

Natural selection "selects" for advantageous traits; those which result in reproductive success. An example of natural selection resulting in reproductive success is that of the finches of Galapagos Islands. (Beaks--> Food--> Survival--> Reproductive Success)

Factors involved in the selection of traits within organisms include: time, genetic variation, and inheritance. These allow for selection such as that of natural selection to occur.

Competition in an environment results in natural selection; the selection of traits that will benefit a species in competing with other organisms.

Evolution may result in convergent evolution; similar pressures causing different species to evolve similarly. An example of convergent evolution would be that of birds and insects.

Evolution may cause divergent evolution to take place; different pressures cause species to evolve differently. An example of divergent evolution would be that of bats and bears.

Divergent evolution results in homologous structures. An example of a homologous structures would be that of nostrils when comparing cetaceans and humans.

Analogous structures appear due to convergent evolution. An example of an analogous structure is that of wings of insects, birds, and bats (allow for flight).

Vestigial structures exist in organisms due to divergent evolution. An example of a vestigial structure in humans is the appendix (was once involved in digestion).

Competition is a form of selective pressure in nature; over time, competing organisms will develop traits to better survive (thus reproduce).