Natural Selection

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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 reproduce more than those that are less adapted.

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What is genetic variation?

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Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA among individuals within a population, which can lead to differences in traits.

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How do mutations contribute to evolution?

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Mutations are changes in DNA that can create new traits. If these traits are beneficial, they may be passed on to future generations, contributing to evolution.

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What is the significance of a population being isolated?

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Isolation can lead to genetic drift and unique adaptations, as the population may evolve independently from others.

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What is the role of environmental factors in natural selection?

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Environmental factors, such as food availability and predation, influence which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction.

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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 with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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What is an example of natural selection in action?

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The peppered moth is a classic example; during the Industrial Revolution, darker moths became more common due to better camouflage against pollution-darkened trees.

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What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

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Natural selection occurs through environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices in breeding.

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What is adaptation?

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Adaptation is a trait that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

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What is genetic drift?

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Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to significant evolutionary changes over time.