Introduction to Evolution: Natural Selection

Question 1

Observation 1

Answer 1

Individuals in a population vary and many characteristics are heritable

Question 2

Observation 2

Answer 2

Populations have the potential to increase exponentially but remain relatively stable because natural resources are limited

Question 3

Inference 1

Answer 3

Not all offspring produced will survive, some individuals are more likely than others to reproduce because of their heritable traits

Question 4

Inference 2

Answer 4

As a result of this difference in survival and reproduction, beneficial traits will increase in frequency in the population over time

Question 5

Adaptation (process)

Answer 5

The process by which a species becomes a better fit to survive and reproduce in its environment over time

Question 6

Adaptation (noun)

Answer 6

A trait that serves a function in an organism, confers evolutionary fitness, and has been maintained by natural selection