Lecture 2: Natural Selection

Question 1

What are the two major components of Darwins evolution theory?

Answer 1

1. That all life has descended from am ancestral form

2. Evolution is a form of natural selection

Question 2

For natural selection to occur you need . . . ?

Answer 2

• Varience
• Selection: for & against
• Inheritence
• Time

Question 3

The theory of natural selection is based on several observations, what are they?

Answer 3

1. the over production of offspring & limited resources leads to the struggle for existence
2. Individual best suited to the environment will be more reproductively successful
3. The unequal survival & reproduction of individuals leads to the gradual accumation of adaptive characteristics in a population

Question 4

What is sexual selection?

Answer 4

individuals with certain characteristics are more likely to obtain mates - females select mates based on physical characteristics

Question 5

Give a description of natural selection:

Answer 5

the reproductive success of the members of a population best adapted to the environment