Natural and Artificial Selection

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

Artificial Selection is the intentional breeding of plants or animals to produce desired traits.

A physical adaptation is a structural feature of an organism that enhances its survival in its environment, such as the spikes on a porcupine fish.

Genetic modification in agriculture can enhance crop yield, resistance to pests, and nutritional value.

Organisms increase the chances of offspring survival by having more offspring than can possibly survive.

An example of a behavioral adaptation is a turtle hiding inside its shell when threatened.

Natural Selection occurs naturally based on environmental pressures, while Artificial Selection is human-directed breeding for specific traits.

An example of a trait selected through Artificial Selection is the small size of Chihuahuas.

Genetic diversity increases a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism that can lead to new traits.