Explain why only natural selection can act upon heritable variation Flashcards
What is heritable variation?
Heritable variation refers to differences in traits that can be passed from parents to offspring through genetic inheritance.
True or False: Natural selection can act on non-heritable traits.
False: Natural selection acts only on heritable traits that can be passed to the next generation.
Fill in the blank: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution that operates on ________ variation.
heritable
What is the primary role of natural selection in evolution?
The primary role of natural selection in evolution is to increase the frequency of advantageous traits in a population over generations.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur? A) Variation B) Inheritance C) Random mating D) Differential survival
C) Random mating
What does ‘differential survival’ mean in the context of natural selection?
Differential survival refers to the phenomenon where individuals with certain advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than those without these traits.
Short answer: Why is heritable variation essential for natural selection?
Heritable variation is essential for natural selection because it provides the raw material on which selection can act, allowing beneficial traits to be passed on to future generations.
True or False: Natural selection leads to the evolution of species over time.
True: Natural selection is a key driver of evolutionary change in species.
What is the difference between heritable variation and environmental variation?
Heritable variation is genetic and can be passed to offspring, while environmental variation is caused by external factors and cannot be inherited.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of natural selection? A) A mutation occurring B) A species adapting to a new environment C) Random genetic drift D) All of the above
B) A species adapting to a new environment
