Natural vs. Artificial Selection

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What is Natural Selection?

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Natural Selection is the process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, leading to the adaptation of species over time.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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What is Artificial Selection?

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Artificial Selection, also known as selective breeding, is the intentional breeding of plants and animals by humans to produce specific traits.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-5

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What does 'Survival of the Fittest' mean?

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'Survival of the Fittest' refers to the concept that individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thus passing those traits to the next generation.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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How do Natural and Artificial Selection differ?

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Natural Selection occurs naturally without human intervention, while Artificial Selection is driven by human choices in breeding.

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What is the goal of Artificial Selection?

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The goals of Artificial Selection include increasing the value of species to humans, producing species that resist disease, and creating species with specific desired traits.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-5

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What is Genetic Variation?

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Genetic Variation refers to the differences in DNA among individuals within a species, which is essential for Natural Selection to occur.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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Can you give an example of Natural Selection?

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An example of Natural Selection is the evolution of the peppered moth, where darker moths became more common in polluted areas because they were less visible to predators.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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What is a derived trait?

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

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NGSS.HS-LS4-1

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NGSS.HS-LS4-4

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What is selective breeding?

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Selective breeding is the process of breeding plants and animals for specific genetic traits, a key aspect of Artificial Selection.

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What role do humans play in Artificial Selection?

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Humans actively choose which plants or animals to breed based on desired traits, influencing the genetic makeup of future generations.