Natural vs. Artificial Selection

Front

What is a trait?

Back

The quality or characteristic of an organism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

The process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation, allowing adaptation to the environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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Front

Which moth color is favored by dark colored tree trunks?

Back

Dark colored moths.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What does 'Survival of the Fittest' refer to?

Back

The process by which individuals better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; also called natural selection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is artificial selection?

Back

The process where humans breed only the best livestock or plants to produce desired traits.

Front

What is the difference between natural and artificial selection?

Back

Natural selection occurs without human intervention, while artificial selection is guided by human choices.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Front

Give an example of natural selection.

Back

The peppered moths in England, where dark moths became more common during the Industrial Revolution due to pollution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

What is adaptation?

Back

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

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Front

What is a derived trait?

Back

A trait that is present in an organism but was absent in its last common ancestor.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is the role of genetic variation in natural selection?

Back

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, allowing for adaptation.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4