Question

How does the concept of descent with modification explain both the unity and diversity of life?

Short answer

The concept of diversity of life is described by species' adaptation to distinct habitats, giving rise to new species that are not similar to the pre-existing species. The unity of life is referred to as sharing similar traits by descendant organisms that are derived from a common ancestor.

Step-by-step solution

Descendant organism

A person or an offspring from a specific ancestor that existed a long time ago is called a descendant organism. Linear and collateral descendants are classified as two distinct descendant organism types. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are descendants of a particular ancestor.

Descent with modification

Darwin defines the evolutionary theory as descent with modification; this refers to the traits that pass to the offspring generation from their parents due to heredity. These traits are responsible for individual variation.

The idea of species variation and that these species can survive and reproduce to generate new species due to hereditary characteristics is involved in descent with modification.

The evolutionary mechanism of descent with modification also describes the organism's adaptation to the environment or varying habitat due to changes in its genetic code.

Unity and diversity of life

Diversity of life develops when evolution and adaptation occur in species that share similar descent lines from their ancestors.

The descent with modification observes that living organisms are closely related and have large differences due to their modification from a common ancestor, resulting in the diversity of life.

Similar fundamental traits shared by living organisms due to their commonly related ancestor are explained by the unity of life.