Natural Selection vs. Artificial Selection

Match the term to the correct definition. Write the letter next to the number.

• Trait

• The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce

• Natural Selection

• 1. The surroundings where an organism lives

• Environment

• 1. A characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce

• Artificial Selection

• 1. The process by which humans choose which organisms will breed

• Adaptation

• A physical or behavioral feature of an organism

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which is an example of natural selection?

• A farmer breeds cows that produce more milk

• A lion catches the slowest zebra

• A gardener plants only red roses

• A scientist creates a new apple variety

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Which is an example of artificial selection?

• A. Polar bears have white fur to blend with snow

• B. Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics

• C. People breed dogs to be smaller or friendlier

• D. Lizards change color to match their surroundings

What causes natural selection to happen over time?

• Human choice
• Weather and pollution

• Differences in traits and survival

• 6. Scientists doing experiments

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Some animals survive better than others in their environment because of:

• their ability to adapt to changes

• their size and strength

• their speed and agility

• their diet and feeding habits

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How is artificial selection different from natural selection?

• Artificial selection is guided by humans, while natural selection occurs naturally without human intervention.

• Artificial selection occurs naturally without human intervention, while natural selection is guided by humans.

• Both artificial and natural selection are guided by humans.

• Both artificial and natural selection occur naturally without human intervention.

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A rabbit has longer legs to run from predators. Label whether it is Natural Selection (NS) or Artificial Selection (AS).

• Natural Selection

• Artificial Selection

• Genetic Mutation

• Environmental Adaptation

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A gardener saves seeds from the biggest tomatoes. Label whether it is Natural Selection (NS) or Artificial Selection (AS).

• Natural Selection

• Artificial Selection

• Both

• None

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NGSS.MS-LS4-5

A chameleon can change colors to blend in. Label whether it is Natural Selection (NS) or Artificial Selection (AS).

• NS

• AS

• Genetic Mutation

• Environmental Adaptation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Scientists breed corn that grows faster. Label whether it is Natural Selection (NS) or Artificial Selection (AS).

• AS

• NS

• Both

• None

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-5