Understanding Natural Selection and Evolution

Mary Partner, an adjunct biology professor, explains natural selection as a mechanism of evolution. She discusses how environmental changes, like temperature shifts and plagues, influence evolution, which occurs through random mutations in populations. Using an example of webbed feet, she illustrates how adaptations can become advantageous in changing environments. The video concludes with an invitation to explore more biology topics and engage with the channel.

What is the primary mechanism that Darwin proposed for evolution?

• Gene Flow

• Mutation

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Drift

Which of the following is NOT a factor that causes environmental change?

• Continental shifts

• Temperature fluctuations

• Plagues

• Random mutations

Evolution can only occur in which of the following?

• A single cell

• A species

• A population

• An individual organism

What is necessary for a mutation to be considered part of evolution?

• It must predominate in a population

• It must be random

• It must be beneficial

• It must occur in every individual

What happens to a mutation that does not become predominant in a population?

• It becomes a new species

• It becomes extinct

• It is not considered evolution

• It is considered evolution

What is the role of random mutations in evolution?

• They are the sole cause of evolution

• They provide genetic variation for natural selection

• They always lead to beneficial traits

• They occur only in response to environmental changes

In the example given, what mutation did the speaker have?

• Extra fingers

• Extra toes

• Webbed hands

• Webbed feet

How did the environmental change make the speaker's mutation advantageous?

• It allowed better camouflage

• It enhanced climbing ability

• It made swimming easier

• It improved running speed

What is the significance of the speaker's mutation in the context of natural selection?

• It shows how mutations are always harmful

• It demonstrates that all mutations are beneficial

• It proves that mutations are rare

• It illustrates how mutations can become advantageous

What is the speaker's call to action at the end of the video?

• To subscribe and engage with more content

• To ignore the topic

• To stop watching videos

• To read more books