The speed of evolution is assessed in the genetic variation of a species over time. Accumulation of genetic variations over time produces species different from its ancestors. If these changes take place over a shorter duration (say 1000 years), the speed of evolution is fast.
Rate of evolution can be elevated by several factors such as warmer environments, shorter generation times, exchange of beneficial DNA sequences between various lineages via horizontal gene transfer and sexual reproduction.
Also see:
- What Factors Affect the Rate of Evolution?
- What causes evolution?
- What 3 Factors Can Make Diffusion Faster?
- MCQs on Speciation For NEET
