Natural Selection

Front

What is evolution?

Back

Change in a population over time that descends from a common ancestor.

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What are adaptations?

Back

Features that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

Examples of adaptations include:

Back

Camouflage, ability to survive cold weather, hunting skills.

Front

What is fitness in the context of natural selection?

Back

The ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

Front

How does natural selection work?

Back

Organisms with traits well suited to their environment survive and reproduce at a greater rate.

Front

True or False: Natural selection occurs during the lifetime of a single organism.

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False.

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

Back

Because they are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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What is the role of genetic variation in evolution?

Back

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

Front

What is selective pressure?

Back

Environmental factors that favor certain traits over others.

Front

Define natural selection.

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.