What is Modern evolutionary synthesis?
The '''modern evolutionary synthesis''' is about [[evolution]]. It explained how the discoveries of [[Gregor Mendel]] fit with [[Charles Darwin]]'s theory of evolution by means of [[natural selection]]. Mendel found out how we inherit our [[genes]]. Key biologists who contributed work to the synthesis included: [[Julian Huxley]], [[Theodosius Dobzhansky]], [[Ernst Mayr]], [[Ronald Fisher]], [[J.B.S. Haldane]], [[Sewall Wright]], [[G.G. Simpson]], [[E.B. Ford]], [[Bernhard Rensch]] and [[G. Ledyard Stebbins]]. == The theory == The modern synthesis brought Darwin's idea up to date. It bridged the gap between different types of biologists: [[Genetics|geneticists]], [[naturalist]]s, and [[Paleontology|palaeontologists]]. It states that:<ref>Huxley J.S. 1942. ''Evolution: the modern synthesis''. Allen & Unwin, London. 2nd ed 1963; 3rd ed 1974.</ref><ref>Mayr E. and W.B. Provine eds. 1988. ''The evolutionary synthesis: perspectives on the unification of biology'', Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|0-674-27225-0}}</ref><ref>Mayr E. 1982. ''The growth of biological thought: diversity, evolution & inheritance''. Harvard, Cambs. p567 et seq.</ref> #Evolution can be explained by what we know about [[genetics]], and what we see of animals and plants living in the wild. #The variety of genes ([[allele]]s) carried in natural populations is a key factor in evolution. #[[Natural selection]] is the main mechanism of change. Even a very slight advantage can be important, continued generation after generation. The [[struggle for existence]] of animals and plants in the wild causes natural selection. Only those who survive and [[Reproduction|reproduce]] pass their [[gene]]s on to the next generation. <br/>We find the strength of natural selection in the wild was greater than even Darwin expected. #Evolution is gradual: [[natural selection]] occurs, and small genetic changes collect. Species only change little from one generation to the next. Big changes do occur, from time to time, but they are very rare.<ref>An example of a big c