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Related Concept Videos

In Vitro Fertilization01:24

In Vitro Fertilization

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
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During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
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Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
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Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
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Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.  Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis.  Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Therapeutic Strategies for Improving Pregnancy Rates by Analyzing Embryo-Endometrium Interactions
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Can IVF influence human evolution?

Hans Ivar Hanevik1, Dag O Hessen2, Arne Sunde3

  • 1Fertilitetsavdelingen Sor, Telemark Hospital Trust, Porsgrunn, Norway hanhan@sthf.no.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|April 21, 2016
PubMed
Summary

In vitro fertilization (IVF) bypasses natural selection in reproduction. This review explores IVF

Keywords:
assisted reproductionevolutionhumaninfertilityselection

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Reproductive medicine
  • Human genetics

Background:

  • Fertility and pregnancy are fundamental evolutionary processes involving natural selection.
  • Assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) circumvent natural selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss selection and screening factors in natural fertilization and pregnancy.
  • To assess in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices within an evolutionary framework.
  • To evaluate the potential impact of assisted reproduction on human evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of evolutionary principles related to fertility and reproduction.
  • Analysis of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures and their selection pressures.
  • Discussion of potential individual and population-level consequences of altered selection.

Main Results:

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) bypasses fundamental natural selection mechanisms.
  • Differences in selection pressures may arise between natural conception and IVF.

Conclusions:

  • Assisted reproduction warrants examination within an evolutionary context.
  • Changes in reproductive genotypes due to IVF could influence human evolution.