What process includes changes in allele frequencies over generations?

The concept of changes in allele frequencies over generations is fundamental to the theory of evolution. Evolution refers to the process by which populations of organisms change over time through various mechanisms, including natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation.

As allele frequencies shift, this can lead to adaptations in populations, speciation events, or simply a change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. This process illustrates how populations can respond to environmental pressures, leading to changes that may enhance survival or reproduction.

Speciation specifically refers to the formation of new species and involves evolutionary processes but does not directly define changes in allele frequencies. Adaptation refers more to the process of traits becoming better suited to an environment, which is a result of evolutionary change rather than the definition itself. Mutation is a mechanism of evolution that introduces new genetic variations but does not encompass the broader scope of changes in allele frequencies across generations. Thus, the correct choice encompasses the entire framework of genetic change, highlighting it as a key aspect of evolution.