Review: Natural selection

What is natural selection?

A process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.

True or False: Natural selection creates new traits.

False, because it acts on existing traits within a population.

Difference between adaptation and evolution?

Adaptation is a trait improving survival, while evolution is the change in species over time.

Fill in the blank: Natural selection is driven by _____.

Natural selection is driven by variation, competition, and survival.

What are adaptations?

Traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

True or False: All traits are beneficial.

False, because some traits may be neutral or harmful.

Question: What is survival of the fittest?

It refers to the idea that only the organisms best adapted to their environment will survive.

Example of a physical adaptation?

Camouflage in animals helps them avoid predators.

What is genetic variation?

Differences in DNA among individuals within a population that contribute to diversity.

Question: How does competition influence natural selection?

It causes organisms to struggle for resources, leading to selection for the most fit individuals.

What are the main components of natural selection?

Variation, competition, survival, and reproduction.

Question: What role does time play in natural selection?

It allows for gradual changes and adaptations to accumulate in populations.

Fill in the blank: Natural selection can lead to _____.

Natural selection can lead to speciation, the formation of new species.

What is a common misconception about natural selection?

That it is a conscious process; it's actually an unconscious process of survival.

Difference between stabilizing and directional selection?

Stabilizing selection favors average traits, while directional selection favors one extreme trait.

Example of directional selection?

Peppered moths in industrial areas becoming darker due to pollution.

Question: How does natural selection affect species diversity?

It can increase diversity by promoting adaptations to different ecological niches.