Natural and Artificial Selection Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is natural selection?

A process where characteristics of a population change over generations. (correct)

A process that occurs without any environmental influence.

A process that guarantees survival.

A process that only occurs with human intervention.

What is selective pressure?

An abiotic or biotic environmental condition that selects for or against certain characteristics in individuals.

Natural selection anticipates changes in the environment.

False

What does fitness describe in evolutionary biology?

The contribution an individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation. Signup and view all the answers

What is artificial selection?

Selective breeding by humans to modify traits. Signup and view all the answers

The key difference between natural selection and artificial selection is that in natural selection the environment plays the role that __________ plays in artificial selection.

humans Signup and view all the answers

What are gene banks?

Collections of populations of early ancestors of modern plants that preserve genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which crops are the result of artificial selection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is monoculture?

Extensive planting of the same variety or species over large areas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Selection

Natural selection leads to changes in a population’s characteristics over generations due to diversity within a species.
Essential for natural selection is the presence of variation among individuals in a species.

Selective Pressure

Selective pressure can arise from abiotic (non-living) environmental conditions, influencing certain traits in individuals.
Biotic factors, such as interactions with other organisms, can also create selective pressures.

Nature of Natural Selection

Natural selection is situational, dependent on current environmental conditions, and does not predict future changes.
It operates without intention or foresight, lacking will, purpose, or direction.

Fitness

Fitness measures an individual's contribution to the gene pool of future generations based on their offspring's survival and ability to reproduce.

Artificial Selection

Artificial selection is a human-driven process where selective pressures are applied to modify or enhance desirable traits in populations.
A common example of artificial selection is selective breeding.

Differences between Natural and Artificial Selection

The primary distinction is that in natural selection, environmental factors drive the process, while humans exert control in artificial selection.

Artificial Selection in Food Crops

Major food crops such as rice, corn, and wheat have been developed through selective breeding to increase nutritional content and yield.
Selective breeding has shaped the varietals of vegetables and other essential crops for human consumption.

Monoculture

Monoculture involves planting large expanses of land with a single variety of species, which can lead to issues related to biodiversity and resilience.

Gene Banks

Gene banks preserve a variety of early ancestors of modern plants, maintaining genetic diversity.
These resources provide potential genetic material for future agricultural needs or improvements.

Description

These flashcards cover key concepts related to natural and artificial selection. Explore definitions such as natural selection and selective pressure, essential for understanding evolution and ecology. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge in biology.