Can an individual evolve?
1 Answer
No
Explanation:
evolution (general definition) Sustained change in the phenotype (= appearance) of a system through
time; includes non-biological phenomena such as the universe, culture, music
evolution (biological) Change in the allele frequencies of a population through time
(Definitions by Nicholas Gotelli)
Evolution is not something that can occur in an individual or to an individual. It can occur only over time in a population.
natural selection (biological definition) differential reproduction and/or survival of individuals with heritable traits
Again, this applies only in populations. An individual with a certain trait survives better relative to individuals without that trait, but its trait is actually selected for over time within the population (of its offspring).
No, according to a biological definition an individual can never evolve. (However, it may be able to adapt.)
