20 Questions
According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which individuals have high fitness?
Those with well-suited adaptations
What did Darwin describe as a scientific mechanism, similar to artificial selection?
Natural selection
In Darwin's theory of evolution, what is emphasized as the determining factor in survival and reproduction?
Competition for limited environmental resources
What did Darwin propose individuals with inheritable variation are better adapted to?
Their environment
How did Darwin measure an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment?
Fitness
What is the definition of adaptation?
A trait or characteristic that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment
What is fitness in the context of biology?
The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce, contributing to the passing on of its genes to the next generation
What best describes natural selection?
The process by which organisms with favorable traits for their environment survive and reproduce more successfully
Why did Darwin delay publishing his ideas on evolution through natural selection for 20 years?
He wanted to gather extensive evidence supporting his radical theory before publicizing his work
What made Darwin present his work alongside Wallace's at a scientific meeting in 1858?
Fearing being surpassed, Darwin presented his work alongside Wallace's at a scientific meeting in 1858
Adaptation is a trait that decreases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment.
False
Darwin delayed publishing his radical theory of natural selection because he feared being surpassed by Lamarck's ideas.
False
Natural selection is the process by which organisms with favorable traits for their environment survive and reproduce less successfully.
False
Darwin developed the main elements of evolution through natural selection after reading Malthus's research and considering artificial selection.
True
Alfred Russel Wallace's essay aligned closely with Lamarck's ideas on evolution, which led Darwin to present his work alongside Wallace's at a scientific meeting in 1858.
False
Darwin's concept of natural selection involves the passing on of favorable traits through random genetic mutations.
False
Darwin's theory of evolution emphasizes that individuals with less suitable traits have high fitness.
False
Darwin proposed that all adaptations are physical traits, such as claws or camouflage.
False
In Darwin's theory, the struggle for existence is the process through which individuals compete for limited environmental resources.
True
Darwin's theory highlights the concept of 'survival of the fittest,' where survival only refers to staying alive.
False
Study Notes
Natural Selection and Evolution
- Individuals with high fitness are those that are better adapted to their environment.
- Darwin described natural selection as a scientific mechanism, similar to artificial selection, where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Adaptation and Fitness
- Adaptation is a trait that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment.
- Fitness, in the context of biology, refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
- Fitness is often measured by an organism's ability to survive, reproduce, and pass on its genes to the next generation.
Key Concepts of Evolution
- Darwin's theory of evolution emphasizes that individuals with inheritable variation are better adapted to their environment.
- The determining factor in survival and reproduction is the environment, which favors individuals with favorable traits.
- Darwin's theory highlights the concept of 'survival of the fittest,' where fitness refers to the ability to survive and reproduce.
History of Evolutionary Theory
- Darwin delayed publishing his ideas on evolution through natural selection for 20 years due to fear of being ridiculed by the scientific community.
- Darwin presented his work alongside Alfred Russel Wallace's at a scientific meeting in 1858, as Wallace's essay closely aligned with his own ideas.
- Darwin developed the main elements of evolution through natural selection after reading Malthus's research and considering artificial selection.
Test your understanding of the vocabulary and definitions related to adaptation, natural selection, and fitness. This quiz covers key terms such as adaptation, fitness, and natural selection, as well as their significance in the survival and reproduction of organisms in their environment.
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