Natural Selection

This tutorial explains natural selection, a concept attributed to Charles Darwin, who introduced it in his 1859 book, 'The Origin of Species.' The process involves four parts: overproduction, variation, competition, and selection. Organisms produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources. Variations among organisms, often due to genetic mutations, can provide advantages in this competition. Those with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these traits to future generations. An example of this is antibiotic-resistant bacteria, where genetic mutations allow some bacteria to survive antibiotic exposure, leading to a resistant population over time.

Who is credited with the mechanism of natural selection?

• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

• Charles Darwin

• Gregor Mendel

• Alfred Wallace

What is the significance of Darwin's book 'On the Origin of Species'?

• It was the first book on evolution

• It introduced the concept of genetic mutations

• It explained the mechanism of natural selection

• It was the first book to sell out

Which of the following is NOT a part of natural selection?

• Mutation

• Variation

• Overproduction

• Competition

In the beetle example, what factor determined which beetles survived?

• Color preference of predators

• Availability of food

• Weather conditions

• Size of the beetles

What is the main competition among organisms in natural selection?

• For mates

• For space to grow

• For sunlight

• For resources like food and water

What is a possible outcome of a genetic mutation?

• It always harms the organism

• It never affects the organism

• It can be neutral, positive, or negative

• It always benefits the organism

What happens to mutations that do not help an organism survive?

• They cause the organism to evolve

• They become more common

• They are passed on to the next generation

• They disappear over time

How do antibiotic-resistant bacteria demonstrate natural selection?

• They survive and reproduce despite antibiotics

• They mutate to become weaker

• They avoid exposure to antibiotics

• They become less diverse

What is the result of natural selection over many generations?

• A population with no variation

• A population that looks the same as the original

• A population with traits that help them survive

• A population that becomes extinct

What does 'selection' mean in the context of natural selection?

• Surviving long enough to reproduce

• Choosing the best habitat

• Avoiding predators

• Finding the most food