Evolution and natural selection

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What is evolution?

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Evolution is the process through which species change over many generations, driven by natural selection and other factors.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is the mechanism by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

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What does biological fitness mean?

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Biological fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, measured by the number of offspring it leaves behind.

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How does variation within a species contribute to evolution?

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Variation within a species provides the raw material for natural selection, allowing some individuals to be better suited to their environment.

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

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Fossils, genetic similarities, and observed changes in species over time provide evidence for evolution.

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What role do mutations play in evolution?

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Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.

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How does the environment influence natural selection?

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The environment determines which traits are advantageous, influencing which individuals survive and reproduce.

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What is the significance of Darwin's finches?

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Darwin's finches illustrate adaptive radiation, where species evolve different traits to exploit various ecological niches.

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What is the difference between artificial selection and natural selection?

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Artificial selection is human-directed breeding for specific traits, while natural selection occurs without human intervention.

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What is speciation?

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Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones, often due to isolation and divergent evolution.