#12 IP: Natural Selection, Adaptations & Diversity

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

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

Front

What changes as a direct result of natural selection?

Back

Populations change as a result of natural selection, not individuals.

Front

What defines a species?

Back

A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. If two populations do not interbreed, they are considered different species.

Front

What is adaptation?

Back

Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

How does natural selection affect allele frequencies?

Back

Natural selection can change allele frequencies in a population over time, favoring alleles that contribute to survival and reproduction.

Front

What is a phenotype?

Back

A phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Front

What is the role of competition in natural selection?

Back

Competition for resources can lead to natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution and allows populations to adapt to changing environments.

Front

What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

Back

Microevolution refers to small-scale changes in allele frequencies within a population, while macroevolution refers to larger evolutionary changes that can lead to the emergence of new species.

Front

What is speciation?

Back

Speciation is the process by which new species arise, often due to reproductive isolation or environmental changes.