Darwin, Natural Selection, and Evolution

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What is natural selection?

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

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Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

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Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

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What is a vestigial structure?

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A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through the course of evolution, such as the hip bones in whales.

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What is evolution?

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Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

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What is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?

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An example of a vestigial structure in humans is the appendix.

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What role do adaptations play in natural selection?

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Adaptations are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, influencing natural selection.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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

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What is the significance of genetic variation in evolution?

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Genetic variation is crucial for evolution as it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

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How can environmental changes affect species survival?

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Environmental changes can lead to extinction or survival of species based on their adaptations to the new conditions.

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What is the concept of survival of the fittest?

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