Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

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What is biological evolution?

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Biological evolution is the process through which species of organisms change over time through variations in their genetic material, leading to the development of new species.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is speciation?

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Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new biological species arise.

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What is genetic variation?

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Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA among individuals within a species, which can result from mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction.

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What role does mutation play in evolution?

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Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new genetic variations, which may be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to an organism's survival.

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What is adaptation?

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Adaptation is a trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

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What is the significance of heritable traits in evolution?

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Heritable traits are passed from parents to offspring and are crucial for natural selection, as they determine which traits may be favored in a given environment.

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What is the difference between evolution and adaptation?

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Evolution refers to the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, while adaptation is the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment.

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

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What is extinction?

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Extinction is the end of an organism or a group of organisms, typically resulting from environmental changes, loss of habitat, or competition.