- For other uses, see Evolution.
Evolution or natural selection was a genetic change in a population over time, from which new species arise. Over millions of years, new traits would arise from natural mutations caused by DNA replication errors or radioactive damage to DNA. Those traits that hampered (or killed) the organism would be selected against. Those traits that gave an advantage to survival would be selected for. Complex traits like reason or emotion could arise from this process, as cooperation was a powerful survival factor.
A common misconception was that evolution always led to more intelligent species. However, it only led to species better adapted to their environment — if an environment required an adaptation that was more primitive, then it was actually the more advanced trait for that environment.
History and specifics[]
On Earth, natural selection was discovered by the scientist Charles Darwin after observing the finches of the Galápagos Islands. (ENT episode: "Strange New World")
Evolution developed violet-colored chlorophyll on Quilian IV, leading to a preponderance of purple-colored plants in its jungles. (FASA RPG module: Safari in Violet)
Although controversial and illegal in the Federation (for anything other than the prevention of disease) due to the Eugenics Wars, genetic engineering could allow a species to artificially select their genes. Julian Bashir was such a genetically engineered lifeform. (DS9 episode: "Doctor Bashir, I Presume")
Simulations[]
In a holodeck drill controlled by the evil artificial intelligence Badgey, a Mintakan civilization evolved in his Genesis Planet simulation. Dr. Gabers Migleemo set up a duck blind to study their culture, though Dr. T'Ana wondered if was a ruse by Badgey rather than a unique biological development. (LD video game: The Badgey Directive episode "Quis Custodiet Custard")
Appendices[]
External links[]
- Evolution article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Evolution article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.