7th Grade Topic 8 Natural Selection, Adaptation, 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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What does 'survival of the fittest' mean?

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'Survival of the fittest' refers to the idea that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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What is an adaptation?

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

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Why are advantageous traits passed onto offspring?

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Advantageous traits are passed onto offspring because they increase the chances of survival and reproduction.

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What is a scientific theory?

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A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence.

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How do scientists test scientific theories?

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Scientists constantly test scientific theories through experiments and observations.

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What is variation in biology?

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Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals in a population.

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What is the role of competition in natural selection?

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Competition occurs when organisms vie for limited resources, influencing which traits are advantageous.

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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 evolution.

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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.