10 Questions
What is the principle behind the concept of 'survival of the fittest'?
The organisms that are best adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce
What is an example of a characteristic that allows deer to survive better?
The ability to run faster for longer
What happens to the slower deer in the example?
They get caught more often by predators
What is the reason for the increase in dark-coloured moths after the Industrial Revolution?
The increase in pollution
Why do you think there were originally only a few dark-coloured moths?
Because they were not well adapted to their environment
What is the main concept behind natural selection?
The survival of the fittest
What is the main reason why the light-coloured moths started to increase again?
Because the environment became cleaner
What is the main idea of variation within a species?
There are small differences between individuals
What is the result of natural selection over time?
The characteristics that are advantageous are passed on
Why do the deer with the faster running speed have a higher chance of survival?
Because they can escape predators more often
Study Notes
Variation Within a Species
- A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
- All people belong to the same species, Homo sapiens.
- Variation exists within a species, and it refers to the differences between living organisms of the same species.
- Inherited characteristics, such as height and tongue-rolling, contribute to variation amongst humans.
Environmental Influence
- Animals are adapted to their environment, and individuals with characteristics that make them more successful at surviving will reproduce more and pass on their characteristics to their offspring.
- Environmental changes over time require species to adapt to survive, and if they do not adapt, they may not survive and the species may die out.
- Variation is necessary for species to adapt to their environment.
Classification
- Dogs belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, and class Mammalia.
- Characteristics such as body shape, size, and special features are used to classify organisms.
- Variation within a species does not affect its classification.
How Variation Occurs
- Sexual reproduction produces offspring that are different from the parent organisms, resulting in variation.
- Variation occurs within a species, and even offspring from the same parents can have differences.
Inheritance in Humans
- Certain traits are passed down from generation to generation, from parent organisms to their offspring, through inheritance.
- Traits such as skin colour, height, and tongue-rolling are examples of inherited characteristics.
Natural Selection
- The principle of natural selection refers to the survival of organisms that are best adapted to their environment, leading to the passing on of advantageous characteristics.
- Organisms that are not well adapted to their environment are less likely to survive and reproduce, resulting in the removal of disadvantageous characteristics over time.
- Natural selection is a key mechanism for species to adapt to their environment.
Peppered Moths
- The peppered moths' camouflage helps them hide from predators.
- The dark-coloured moths increased in number after the Industrial Revolution due to the darkening of tree trunks, making them better adapted to their environment.
- The increase in light-coloured moths after improved environmental standards is an example of adaptation to a changing environment.
Learn about variation within a species, how individuals of the same species can reproduce, and the differences between living organisms of the same species.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
