What process describes the genetic change in populations over time?

The process that describes the genetic change in populations over time is evolution. Evolution encompasses the gradual changes in the genetic makeup of populations through various mechanisms, ultimately leading to the development of new species. This process is driven by factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.

While adaptation refers specifically to how species adjust to their environments over time, it is one of the consequences of evolution. Mutation introduces new genetic variations, which can contribute to evolutionary change, but they are just one aspect of the broader evolutionary process. Gene flow involves the transfer of genetic material between populations, which can also affect genetic variation but is a component of evolution rather than the overarching concept. Therefore, evolution is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes and describes the overall genetic changes that occur within populations throughout time.