Natural and Artificial Selection

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

• Artificial Selection

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

• Natural Selection

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

• Adaptation

• A physical or behavioral feature of an organism

• Environment

• 1. The surroundings where an organism lives

• Trait

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

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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

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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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

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

• AS

• NS

• Both

• None

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Birds with stronger beaks survive better during a drought. Label whether it is Natural Selection (NS) or Artificial Selection (AS).

• Natural Selection (NS)

• Artificial Selection (AS)

• Genetic Drift (GD)

• Mutation (M)

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Can artificial selection ever be harmful to a species? Why or why not?

• Yes, because it can reduce genetic diversity and lead to negative traits.

• No, it always benefits the species by enhancing desirable traits.

• Yes, but only in the short term, as species adapt over time.

• No, artificial selection has no impact on species' health.

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