Explain the scientific theory of human origin and list three key evolutionary processes involved.

The scientific theory about human origin is evolution, specifically human evolution. It explains that human beings, like all other living organisms, have changed over vast periods of time through a process driven by genetic variation and natural selection, leading to adaptation to different environments.

Three processes by which human beings evolved are:

• Genetic mutation: Random changes in DNA that introduce new traits.
• Natural selection: The process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on.
• Genetic drift: Random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population, especially significant in small populations.