Question

Why is evolution a multigenerational, multiindividual process? Why cannot evolution take place in the lifetime of one individual?

Answer 1

Evolution is defined as the change in allele frequencies over time. Thus it has to be multi-generational, as the individuals in a single generation don't change their alleles. Similarly, individuals don't evolve (your genes don't change) and so it has to be a multi-individual process that occurs over multiple generations.

Answer 2

A multigenerational and multiindividual process is when helpful traits are inherited over time, the rest are discarded through natural selection. It can’t take place in just one individual in one lifetime because it is something that gradually changes over time.

Answer 3

Evolution involves swapping to genes between individuals to exchange and diversify the gene pool and thus beneficial traits that suit the environment are inherited and improved, while harmful traits are weeded out. The chances of mutation are pretty low, thus it needs time.

Answer 4

Let me elaborate on that above ^ real quick for you.
By helpful traits, what we mean is a trait that can help an individual survive in an environment that produces "negative pressures" on a population, such as lack of food, water etc.

Darwin's finches on the galapagos islands is an example in which beak length is selected for depending on the "environment of the island" at the time.
When trees are plentiful, the environment selects for traits that are beneficiary for trees.
but when seeds are stuck in rocks...and trees are dead, the environment selects for long beaks.

Traits in this case, are passed from generation to generation and do not happen at once.
it is an "overtime" process in which a trait is slowly selected for over a long period of time, and then that trait is passed from generation to generation.
When the environment suddenly changes, populations don't change rapidly -
It takes time for an individual to adapt... it’s nothing more than a give/take process.

Answer 5

Yeah, what she said.

Answer 6

Nice going, random chick.