Biology Competition: Differential Reproductive Success

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Questions and Answers

Which of the statements may explain this phenomenon in terms of natural selection? (Select all that apply)

The hatchery-raised fish outcompete the wild fish for food. (correct)

The hatchery-raised fish are less adaptable.

The wild fish have more offspring.

The hatchery-raised fish are healthier and stronger than the wild fish when they are released. (correct)

Select the factors associated with natural selection that could explain this phenomenon. (Select all that apply)

Purple loosestrife plants are able to germinate earlier in the spring. (correct)

Purple loosestrife has fewer predators.

Purple loosestrife produces more seeds than native plants. (correct)

Native plants have deeper roots.

How would a limited supply of seeds affect reproductive success in a population of finches?

The finches with the largest, heaviest beaks will have the greatest chances of surviving to reproduce.

Sort the items into the 'causes' and 'effects' bins of differential reproductive success.

Variation = Causes Hereditary = Causes Competition = Causes Allele frequency changes = Effects Traits become adaptations = Effects Signup and view all the answers

How does competition for necessities lead to differential reproductive success?

Competition for necessities results in the survival of only some individuals, allowing them to produce more offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Why can a finite supply of resources lead to natural selection in populations?

A finite supply of resources creates competition, leading to the strongest individuals surviving and reproducing. Signup and view all the answers

If red fur is selected for by natural selection, what is the expected outcome?

The red squirrels will produce more offspring than the gray squirrels. Signup and view all the answers

Match the descriptions to the appropriate terms related to natural selection.

Population = All members of a species within a particular environment. Differential Reproduction = Members within a population with advantageous traits are likely to survive. Natural Selection = Process in which advantageous traits become more common over time. Evolution = Change in heritable traits in a species over time. Signup and view all the answers

Match each definition to the correct vocabulary term related to natural selection.

Carrying Capacity = Maximum amount of organisms in a given population that environment can support. Population = Group of organisms of the same species living together in a community. Biotic Potential = Greatest amount of reproduction possible under ideal conditions. Differential Reproductive Success = One species has more offspring than another. Signup and view all the answers

Match environmental conditions with the most relevant natural selection process.

Enhanced inherited variation = Many food sources; changing environmental conditions Production of more offspring than can survive = High predation; high competition for resources Finite supply of environmental resources = Deserts; mountains Signup and view all the answers

Which field observations illustrate how natural selection affects increased herbicide resistance? (Select all that apply)

This year the herbicide killed one variety of weeds but only about 75% of another variety. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Selection Factors

Hatchery-raised fish outcompete wild fish for food, demonstrating competitive advantage.
Healthier and stronger hatchery-raised fish have better survival rates when released.
Purple loosestrife plants germinate earlier, accessing soil nutrients before native plants, leading to a fitness advantage.
Increased seed production in purple loosestrife enhances reproductive success over native plants.

Reproductive Success in Finches

Finches with the largest, heaviest beaks are more capable of cracking seeds, increasing survival and reproductive chances in environments with limited seeds.

Causes and Effects of Differential Reproductive Success

Causes include variation, heredity, and competition.
Effects encompass changes in allele frequency and the development of adaptations.

Competition and Resource Limitations

Competition for limited resources like food and water allows some individuals to survive and produce offspring, influencing reproductive success.

Natural Selection and Resource Finite Supply

A finite supply of resources fosters competition, favoring the strongest individuals for survival and reproduction.

Traits and Offspring Production

Natural selection favoring red fur in squirrels leads to a higher reproductive rate for red squirrels compared to gray squirrels.

Key Vocabulary in Natural Selection

Population: All members of a species in a specific environment; affected by natural selection.
Differential Reproduction: Advantageous traits increase survival and offspring production in populations.
Natural Selection: Process through which advantageous traits become prevalent over generations via differential reproduction.
Evolution: Long-term change in heritable traits of a species, driven by natural selection.

Carrying Capacity: Maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support.
Population: Collection of organisms of the same species in a communal area.
Biotic Potential: Highest potential for reproduction under ideal conditions.
Differential Reproductive Success: Variant reproductive output among species leads to differing offspring quantities.

Environmental Conditions and Natural Selection

Enhanced inherited variation arises from abundant food sources and shifting environmental factors.
Production of excess offspring typically occurs in high predation and competitive resource environments.
Finite environmental resources occur in extreme habitats such as deserts and mountains.

Herbicide Resistance in Weeds

Observations illustrate that herbicide effectiveness declines, indicating the emergence of resistant weed varieties.
Some weeds may survive based on pre-existing genetic variations that confer resistance against herbicides due to selective pressure.

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Description

Explore the concept of natural selection through flashcards focusing on competition and differential reproductive success in fish. Assess factors influencing the success of hatchery-raised versus wild fish. Test your understanding of how natural selection operates within ecosystems.