 The neutral theory of evolution is the antithesis of ecological genetics. It states that random genetic drift, independent of the environment, rather than natural selection, governs most evolutionary change at the level of the DNA and proteins. At the same time, it admits that natural selection predominates in shaping the morphological and physiological traits that manifest an adaptive fit with the environment. This is a paradox because most of the DNA appears to be non-functional while most of the externally observable phenotype appears to have adaptive function.