5.1 Changes in Populations Review

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

Define adaptation in the context of populations.

Back

Adaptation refers to the traits or characteristics that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

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Front

What role do spines play in the survival of cacti?

Back

Spines help cacti deter herbivores, such as peccaries, from eating them, thus increasing their chances of survival.

Tags

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Front

Explain why brown rabbits increased in population over time.

Back

Brown rabbits were better able to survive and reproduce compared to white rabbits, leading to an increase in their population.

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Front

True or False: Individual organisms can change their traits to help them survive in their environment.

Back

False. Individual organisms cannot change their traits; only populations can evolve over time.

Front

What is an example of human influence on natural selection?

Back

Humans selectively breeding hamsters for desired traits is an example of artificial selection, not natural selection.

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NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Front

What happens to a population when a key food source is diminished?

Back

The population may decline or adapt, depending on the availability of alternative food sources and the adaptability of the species.

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Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and survive over time.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

How does competition affect population dynamics?

Back

Competition for resources can lead to natural selection, where only the most fit individuals survive and reproduce.

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Front

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Back

Natural selection occurs through environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices.

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