Natural Selection

Mr. Andersen introduces natural selection, explaining Charles Darwin's role in providing a mechanism for evolution. He defines evolution as changes in the gene pool and discusses the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The video covers natural selection, fitness, and adaptation, using examples like antibiotic resistance in bacteria and the peppered moth. The concept of adaptation is further illustrated with cichlid fish in the Rift Valley. The video concludes with a definition of natural selection as differential reproductive success.

What is the primary reason Charles Darwin is famous in the field of biology?

• He discovered the concept of evolution.

• He provided a mechanism for how evolution occurs.

• He was the first to study genetics.

• He invented the theory of relativity.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can cause evolution according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

• Migration

• Random mating

• Mutations

• Small population size

What is the term used to describe the survival and reproduction of organisms based on their traits?

• Artificial selection

• Gene flow

• Natural selection

• Genetic drift

How do bacteria primarily gain resistance to antibiotics?

• Through gene flow

• Through genetic drift

• Through mutation

• Through natural selection

What is the primary source of new genetic characteristics in a population?

• Migration

• Mutation

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

In the example of the peppered moth, what environmental change led to a shift in allele frequencies?

• Introduction of a new food source

• Climate change

• Change in tree color due to pollution

• Introduction of a new predator

What does the Hardy-Weinberg equation help scientists understand?

• The impact of migration on evolution

• The rate of mutation in a population

• The frequency of alleles in a population

• The speed of natural selection

What is an adaptation in the context of evolution?

• A physical trait that is always beneficial

• A process selected for by the environment

• A random mutation

• A change in behavior due to learning

What unique feature allows cichlid fish to exploit different niches in their environment?

• Their ability to change color

• Their large size

• Their pharyngeal jaw

• Their rapid reproduction rate

What is macroevolution?

• The genetic variation within a population

• Small changes within a species

• Large evolutionary changes leading to new species

• The process of natural selection