Evolution achieved through imperfections

Abstract

Without genetic imperfections there would be no evolution of any life form and all progeny would be identical to their ancestors. Stasis is not ideal as it would mean an inability to evolve and survive new diseases, changes in climatic conditions or food sources. Factors involved in genetic changes (nominally imperfections) that offer diversity and alternative chances of survival are discussed. Where humans have played with genetic control, as in breeding of farm and domestic animals, there has been very varied success and often benefits in one aspect have been offset by negative features elsewhere. Hence human interventions in this field may be well intentioned but results certainly are not guaranteed to be positive, and with a long lifespan it is neither simple to readily study changes, nor to reverse them.