Evolution is an endogenous process acting at the population level that results in changes in the frequency of heritable traits within a species over successive generations. This results in changes in the populations’ characteristics over time, leading to new phenotypes, including the development of new species. This process is driven by biological attributes such as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift, as well as environmental factors. Evolution shape our planet, species, and life forms; and is a fundamental way in which biology evolves.

See also: abiogenesis, cultural evolution, evolutionary psychology, evolutionary computing, origin of life