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Explain how natural selection can lead to evolution.
Explain how natural selection can lead to evolution.
When the environment changes, organisms best suited for the new environment survive and reproduce. The favorable adaptation is passed on to the next generation. Over time, more and more organisms will have the favorable adaptation, and the population will evolve.
Each organism in a population produces more offspring than can survive. This is called __.
Each organism in a population produces more offspring than can survive. This is called __.
overproduction
In order for natural selection to occur, populations must have __.
In order for natural selection to occur, populations must have __.
variation
When the environment changes, nature selects favorable __.
When the environment changes, nature selects favorable __.
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Over time, these ___ in a population.
Over time, these ___ in a population.
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Why did the color of the peppered moth change? Select one.
Why did the color of the peppered moth change? Select one.
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Which best describes why the species of burrowing rodent became extinct? Select one.
Which best describes why the species of burrowing rodent became extinct? Select one.
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Explain the relationship between mutations, adaptations, natural selection, and extinction.
Explain the relationship between mutations, adaptations, natural selection, and extinction.
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How will the increase in the bird population most likely affect the bug population? Select one.
How will the increase in the bird population most likely affect the bug population? Select one.
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Which example best illustrates a condition necessary for natural selection to occur? Select one.
Which example best illustrates a condition necessary for natural selection to occur? Select one.
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How will a genetic mutation causing a mouse to have darker fur affect the mouse and the population? Select one.
How will a genetic mutation causing a mouse to have darker fur affect the mouse and the population? Select one.
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Study Notes
Natural Selection and Evolution
- Natural selection occurs when organisms best adapted to changing environments survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary changes over generations.
- Favorable adaptations are inherited by offspring, increasing their prevalence in the population.
Overproduction
- Overproduction refers to organisms producing more offspring than can survive, contributing to competition for resources.
Variation
- Variation within populations is crucial for natural selection; without it, adaptation to environmental changes is limited.
Favorable Adaptations
- Nature selects adaptations that enhance survival; over time, these adaptations accumulate in a population, influencing its evolution.
Environmental Change and Adaptation
- The color change in peppered moths is an example of adaptation due to changes in the environment, driven by factors like pollution.
Extinction Scenarios
- Extinction can occur due to natural disasters like flooding, which can eliminate species lacking genetic variation or adaptability.
Mutations and Adaptations
- Random mutations lead to adaptations, which can be beneficial or detrimental based on environmental conditions.
- Favorable adaptations enhance survival; significant environmental changes may cause extinction if adaptations are no longer sufficient.
Predator-Prey Dynamics
- An increase in predator populations (e.g., birds eating bugs) can shift the bug population's composition, favoring survival of less-preferred variants (e.g., green bugs over red bugs).
Conditions for Natural Selection
- A key condition for natural selection is the presence of genetic variation, evident when species (e.g., clownfish) reproduce in large numbers, increasing the likelihood of diverse traits.
Effects of Genetic Mutations
- Genetic mutations can confer advantageous traits (e.g., camouflage in mice), enhancing survival and leading to their proliferation in future generations.
Scenarios Leading to Extinction
- Extreme environmental changes or inability to adapt to new conditions often lead to extinction, contrasting adaptive resilience in less severe changes.
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Description
Test your understanding of natural selection and its role in evolution with this quiz. Explore key concepts around survival, adaptation, and reproduction. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge of how species evolve over time.
