Evolution- (2) Natural and Artificial Selection Flashcards
Give an overview of natural selection
Natural selection is a process that results when characteristics of organisms change over many generations. This is bc individuals with certain traits survive, reproduce, and pass their traits on.
What must be present for natural selection to occur?
Diversity! Without variations there are no selective advantages or disadvantages.
Whats a selective pressure
a factor which increases or reduces an organisms chance of survival
Abiotic selective pressures
Non living factors- water, terrain, sunlight, temp
Biotic selective pressures
Living factors- food access, resources, predators, parasites
Whats fitness?
Contribution of an individual to the gene pool of the next gen. High fitness- organism will survive easily, reproduce, and pass on favourable traits.
Whats artificial selection?
Selective pressures come from humans, to achieve a favourable set of traits. AKA selective breeding. Does not benefit the organism
How does antimicrobial resistance happen?
Pathogens like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to to evade the medications used to kill them. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medications helps pathogens develop a resistance to them.
How is natural selection evidenced in the rise of antibiotic resistance?
Because variations within pathogens that may cause the bacteria to survive against antibiotics turned into an adaption.
What specific traits contribute to antibiotic resistance?
Genetic mutations and gene transfers.
How might understanding evolution and natural selection help in addressing this public health issue?
Helps in developing strategies to combat antibiotic resistance- proactively address health concerns.
Whats a real world example of antibiotic resistance
RI Plasmid
