What type of evolution is passed down through our DNA?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Biology – Human Evolution Exam. Use quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to ensure success. Master key concepts and get ready with confidence!

Biological evolution is the process that involves changes in the genetic composition of populations over generations. This type of evolution is passed down through DNA, as it reflects the inheritance of traits that can provide advantages for survival and reproduction.

When we talk about biological evolution, we refer to mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutations, and gene flow, all of which contribute to the changes within species over time. The genetic variations that arise from these processes are encoded in DNA and can be inherited by subsequent generations.

In contrast, cultural evolution pertains to the development of ideas, customs, and social behavior in human societies, which is transmitted through learning and communication rather than biologically. Environmental adaptation refers to how organisms adjust to changes in their environment, which may involve immediate responses rather than genetic changes passed through DNA. Behavioral evolution involves the adaptation of behaviors that can change due to environmental pressures but does not directly relate to genetic inheritance like biological evolution does. Thus, the most accurate choice for the evolution that is passed down through our DNA is biological evolution.

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