Principles of Evolution

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What is artificial selection?

Back

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits.

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What is natural selection?

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

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What does 'descent with modification' mean?

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Descent with modification refers to the passing on of traits from parent organisms to their offspring, with changes over generations.

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What is variation in the context of evolution?

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

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What are heritable traits?

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Heritable traits are characteristics that can be passed from parents to offspring through genes.

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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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How does overproduction relate to natural selection?

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Overproduction occurs when organisms produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources.

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What is the significance of finches developing thicker beaks?

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The development of thicker beaks in finches is an example of adaptation to their environment, allowing them to eat hard-shelled nuts.

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How do variations contribute to evolution?

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Variations provide the raw material for natural selection, as some traits may offer advantages in survival and reproduction.

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What role does the environment play in natural selection?

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The environment influences which traits are favorable, shaping the direction of natural selection.