Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Natural Selection vs Artificial Selection

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What is the first requirement for the process of natural selection according to Darwin?

Variation

Competition

Overproduction (correct)

Adaptation

Which of the following traits are hereditary in a population according to the text?

Behavioral instincts, learned skills, and social interactions

Environmental adaptation, camouflage ability, and intelligence

Food preference, nesting habits, and migration patterns

Color, size, crawling ability, and shell hardness (correct)

What is the struggle that living things face in natural selection primarily for?

Reproduction opportunities

Territorial expansion

Survival resources like food, water, and shelter (correct)

Establishing dominance hierarchy

What did Darwin observe about individuals with helpful characteristics in natural selection?

They were more likely to survive and reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the accumulation of helpful variations in a population over time?

Natural selection favoring beneficial traits Signup and view all the answers

According to Darwin, what happens to unfavorable variations in a population over time?

They may disappear from the population Signup and view all the answers

What can affect an organism's ability to survive and may lead to natural selection?

Changes in the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is determined by genes and can be acted upon by natural selection?

Eye color Signup and view all the answers

What is sexual selection?

Natural selection that acts on an organism's ability to get the best possible mate Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic variations contribute to the diversity of organisms?

By increasing the variety within a population Signup and view all the answers

In sexually-reproducing organisms, why do females choose mates with specific traits?

To increase the fitness of their offspring Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell mutation can be passed on to offspring?

Mutation to egg cells Signup and view all the answers

How does male competition manifest in some species?

By developing exaggerated physical features like horns or body size Signup and view all the answers

What impact do mutations to body cells have on future generations?

They have no effect on future generations Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of coevolution mentioned in the text?

Acacia trees evolving hollow thorns and nectar pores in response to ant interactions Signup and view all the answers

In the context of natural selection, why are only traits controlled by genes subject to selective pressures?

Genes provide instructions for specific functions Signup and view all the answers

What do fossils represent in the context of evolution?

Preserved remains or traces of living organisms Signup and view all the answers

How are patterns in the fossil record useful for scientists?

As data for analysis and interpretation Signup and view all the answers