Chapter 3.4 ~ Natural Selection

Question 1

Define Variation

Answer 1

Refers to an individual that possesses characteristics different from the others of the same kind.

Question 2

Those with favourable characteristics…

Answer 2

… Are best suited to the environment and have a greater chance of survival.

Question 3

Those with unfavourable characteristics…

Answer 3

… May die out or produce few young or no offspring.

Question 4

Define selective pressures / selective agents

Answer 4

Factors that determine the selection of favourable variations with in the gene pool.

Question 5

What are biotic factors?

Answer 5

Factors that act as selective agents

Eg. Predators, disease, competitors, prey and mating partners.

Question 6

What are abiotic factors?

Answer 6

Factors that act as selective agents.

Eg. Temperature, shelter, sunlight, water and nutrients.

Question 7

Individuals with selective advantage…

Answer 7

… Will be better able to compete for resources.

Question 8

Who is Charles Darwin?

1809-1882

Answer 8

The English naturalist who brought about the theory of natural selection.