Natural Selection and Evolution

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

Why are advantageous traits more likely to be passed onto offspring?

Back

Because they are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive in its environment.

Front

What are vestigial structures?

Back

Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, indicating a common ancestry.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

Front

How do mutations contribute to evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be advantageous for survival.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution, not common ancestry.

Front

What is the role of competition in natural selection?

Back

Competition for resources leads to survival of the fittest, where only the organisms best suited to their environment survive.

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.

Front

What is the concept of survival of the fittest?

Back

Survival of the fittest refers to the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.