Natural selection and selective breeding

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What is natural selection?

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

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What is selective breeding?

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Selective breeding is a process where humans choose specific traits in organisms to be passed on to the next generation.

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How does natural selection affect a population over time?

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Natural selection can lead to changes in the traits of a population, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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What is the role of predators in natural selection?

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Predators can influence natural selection by preying on individuals that are less fit for survival, thus allowing the fitter individuals to reproduce.

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What is genetic diversity?

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Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

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How does selective breeding impact genetic diversity?

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Selective breeding decreases genetic diversity by favoring specific traits, which can lead to a population that is more similar genetically.

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What is an example of natural selection in action?

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An example of natural selection is the development of different beak shapes in finches based on the types of food available.

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What is the difference between natural selection and selective breeding?

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Natural selection is driven by environmental factors, while selective breeding is controlled by human choices.

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Why might a population of birds with beaks suited for hard seeds survive better when soft seeds are no longer available?

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Birds with beaks suited for hard seeds are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits.

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What happens to traits that are not favored in natural selection?

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Traits that are not favored may become less common or disappear from the population over time.