Chapter 1 Flashcard - Natural Selection

Front

Any difference in traits between individuals of the same species is a _____________.

Back

variation

Front

How would you describe the variation in a population with a wide range of traits?

Back

high variation

Front

What does distribution mean when referring to a population?

Back

The number of individuals with a specific trait in a population

Front

Species with ________ variations are ________ likely to survive.

Back

more; more

Front

If ocean temperatures increase, what might happen to the distribution of blubber thickness in Harbor Seals?

Back

Those with thinner blubber will become more common in the population over time.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What role does variation play in natural selection?

Back

Variation provides the differences among individuals that can be acted upon by natural selection.

Front

What is an example of a trait that might be advantageous in a changing environment?

Back

Thicker blubber in seals during colder temperatures.

Front

How can mutations affect variation in a species?

Back

Mutations can introduce new traits that may increase variation within a species.

Front

What is the significance of adaptive traits in a population?

Back

Adaptive traits increase the chances of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.