Natural Selection

What is a mutation?

• A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits in an organism.

• A process that eliminates all genetic variations.

• A type of genetic engineering that creates identical organisms.

• A method of cloning that does not involve DNA alteration.

What is evolution by natural selection?

• A process where organisms with adaptations compete better for resources, survive longer, and pass those adaptations to their offspring.

• A theory that suggests all species are created independently and do not change over time.

• A method of breeding plants and animals to enhance desirable traits.

• A phenomenon where organisms randomly change their traits without any environmental influence.

What is speciation?

• The process by which new species arise from existing species, often due to evolutionary changes.

• A method of classifying organisms based on their physical characteristics.

• The extinction of a species due to environmental changes.

• The migration of species to new habitats for survival.

What happens to a herd of goats that can eat poison ivy over time?

• The herd will become more likely to eat poison ivy.

• The herd will avoid eating poison ivy altogether.

• The herd will become sick from eating poison ivy.

• The herd will develop a taste for other plants instead.

What is genetic diversity?

• The total number of species in an ecosystem.

• The variety of genes within a species, which is crucial for natural selection.

• The number of individuals in a population.

• The differences in physical traits among individuals of a species.

What role does competition play in natural selection?

• Competition leads to the extinction of all species.

• Competition for resources leads to the survival of individuals with advantageous traits.

• Competition has no effect on natural selection.

• Competition only affects the size of populations.

How does environmental change affect natural selection?

• Environmental changes have no impact on natural selection.

• Environmental changes can create new challenges, leading to the selection of different traits that enhance survival.

• Environmental changes only affect the physical characteristics of organisms.

• Environmental changes result in the extinction of all species.

What is the significance of offspring in natural selection?

• Offspring are always identical to their parents.

• Offspring inherit traits from their parents, which can include beneficial adaptations.

• Offspring do not play a role in evolution.

• Offspring are only important for survival, not reproduction.

What factors are involved in natural selection?

• Individuals of species compete with one another to survive.

• All species are genetically identical.

• Individuals better able to adapt to changes leave fewer offspring.

• Genetic mutations have no impact on survival.

Explain the term 'survival of the fittest'.

• A phrase that describes the mechanism of natural selection, where the fittest individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.

• A concept that suggests only the strongest individuals in a population will survive regardless of their reproductive success.

• An idea that implies all individuals in a species have an equal chance of survival and reproduction.

• A theory that states environmental factors have no impact on the survival of species.