Natural Selection Flashcard

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 role do mutations play in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce new traits in a population, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful, influencing survival and reproduction.

Front

How does camouflage affect survival?

Back

Camouflage helps organisms blend into their environment, making them less visible to predators and increasing their chances of survival.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and survive over time.

Front

What happens to a population when food resources are scarce?

Back

When food resources are scarce, the population may decrease due to starvation and increased competition.

Front

How do predators influence prey populations?

Back

Predators can control prey populations by hunting the most vulnerable individuals, which can lead to changes in prey traits over time.

Front

What is the effect of environmental changes on species survival?

Back

Environmental changes can lead to shifts in species survival, favoring those that can adapt while threatening those that cannot.

Front

What is the concept of 'survival of the fittest'?

Back

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

Front

How can a new trait become common in a population?

Back

A new trait can become common if it provides a survival advantage, leading to increased reproduction of individuals with that trait.

Front

What is the impact of overpopulation on species?

Back

Overpopulation can lead to resource depletion, increased competition, and ultimately a decline in population due to starvation or disease.