As these cells grew more complex in terms of their physical and genetic structure, some cells formed nuclei and gene swapping between different species yielded both significant differences but some properites in common. At some point early prokaryotes absorbed prokaryotes in a symbiotic relationship where the prokaryotes with their own genetic material became the organelles of modern eukaryotes - the chloroplasts and mitochondria. Describe the basic processes involved in the evolution of species. Include the role of heredity, environment, mutation, and sexual reproduction. Explain in general terms the role of these processes in punctuated evolution.
Heredity give a continuity so physical and genetic traits can be passed on to offspring.
The environment determines the traits that are fit. Good traits with survival capacity are passed on to the next generation. Traits that yield weakness tend to give organisms that do not survive to reproduce so those traits are eliminated. This is accomplished by mutation which changes the order of bases in a gene or by sexual reproduction where genes from a male and female are combined to give a new genetic diversity. Evolution is usually slow with few new species.