Natural and Artificial Selection Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is natural selection?

Process that results when characteristics of a population change over generations. (correct)

A technique for creating new species.

A method to ensure all organisms are identical.

A way for humans to modify traits in species.

What is selective pressure?

An environmental condition that selects for certain characteristics in individuals.

Natural selection anticipates changes in the environment.

False

What does fitness describe in an ecological context?

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

What is artificial selection?

Selective pressure exerted by humans on populations to modify desirable traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between natural and artificial selection?

In natural selection, the environment plays the role that humans play in artificial selection. Signup and view all the answers

What are some food crops that result from artificial selection?

Rice, corn, wheat, and vegetables. Signup and view all the answers

What is monoculture?

Extensive planting of the same variety of species over large expanses of land. Signup and view all the answers

What are gene banks?

Facilities that contain populations of early ancestors of modern plants. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural and Artificial Selection

Natural Selection: A process where population characteristics change across generations, dependent on genetic diversity within the species.
Selective Pressure: Influential environmental conditions, both abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living), that promote certain traits over others in individuals within a population.
Situational Nature of Natural Selection: Natural selection adapts organisms to changes without foresight or direction; it acts based on current environmental conditions.
Fitness: A measure of an individual's contribution to the next generation's gene pool, determined by their offspring's survival and reproductive success.

Artificial Selection

Definition and Example: A human-driven selective pressure aimed at enhancing specific traits in organisms, exemplified by selective breeding practices.
Natural vs. Artificial Selection: In natural selection, environmental factors drive changes, while artificial selection is influenced by human choices regarding desirable traits.

Applications and Concepts

Artificial Selection in Food Crops: Major food sources such as rice, corn, and wheat have been developed through selective breeding, enhancing their nutritional value and yield.
Monoculture: The agricultural strategy of cultivating a single crop variety over large areas, which can impact biodiversity.
Gene Banks: Facilities that preserve genetic diversity by storing populations of ancestral plants, ensuring their availability for future breeding needs and agricultural resilience.

Description

Explore key concepts of natural and artificial selection with these flashcards. Learn about natural selection, selective pressure, and how they influence biodiversity and evolution. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of these critical topics.