Charles Darwin

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What is adaptation?

Back

Adaptation is a process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through changes in its traits over generations.

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What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to changes in the inherited characteristics of a population over time.

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What does 'survival of the fittest' mean?

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

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What is the significance of local variation in species?

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Local variation refers to differences among individuals of the same species in different environments, which can lead to adaptations that enhance survival.

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What role does genetic variation play in evolution?

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Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments.

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How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?

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Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits, while natural selection occurs without human intervention.

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What is the relationship between adaptation and fitness?

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Adaptation increases an organism's fitness, which is its ability to survive and reproduce in a given environment.

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What evidence did Darwin use to support his theory of evolution?

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Darwin used evidence from his observations of species variation, fossil records, and geographical distribution to support his theory of evolution.

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How can changes in fishing techniques affect fish populations?

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Changes in fishing techniques can lead to selective pressure on fish populations, potentially resulting in changes in average size or other traits over time.

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What is the importance of the Galápagos Islands in Darwin's research?

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The Galápagos Islands provided unique examples of species variation and adaptation, which were crucial to Darwin's development of the theory of evolution.