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Describe how over-reproduction and heritable variation relate to evolution by natural selection.

Describe how over-reproduction and heritable variation relate to evolution by natural selection.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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**Over-Reproduction and Natural Selection** Over-reproduction was (is still?) a characteristic of all species: to have as many babies as possible, as only a small number of young complete development and reproduce on their own. Natural selection favored those with traits that suited the current environment best, with many hindrances for those otherwise. Many young animals are eaten, starved, diseased, or unable to tolerate the physical environment, such as temperature or water content, or simply out-competed by their better suited siblings. Therefore, it was important to have many young to increase the chance of passing on one’s own genes (since to reach maturity, one most likely had some sort of positive adaptive trait suited for their current environment, and thus needed to pass those on to sustain the species), and those who were born with the positive traits from the parents or possessed mutated genes that better suited to their environment stood the best chance of reaching maturity and passing on those genes, and so on. This ties in with heritable variation in that a parent may pass on to the offspring a trait that increases survival. This trait is then passed on through the offspring and with each generation, mixing in new sets of genes each time from mating with members of the species outside the immediate family, an increasing number of offspring survive that possess the trait, while those that do not die out at higher rates, leading to an increased proportion of the population of that particular species possessing that particular trait.
Transcribed Image Text:**Over-Reproduction and Natural Selection** Over-reproduction was (is still?) a characteristic of all species: to have as many babies as possible, as only a small number of young complete development and reproduce on their own. Natural selection favored those with traits that suited the current environment best, with many hindrances for those otherwise. Many young animals are eaten, starved, diseased, or unable to tolerate the physical environment, such as temperature or water content, or simply out-competed by their better suited siblings. Therefore, it was important to have many young to increase the chance of passing on one’s own genes (since to reach maturity, one most likely had some sort of positive adaptive trait suited for their current environment, and thus needed to pass those on to sustain the species), and those who were born with the positive traits from the parents or possessed mutated genes that better suited to their environment stood the best chance of reaching maturity and passing on those genes, and so on. This ties in with heritable variation in that a parent may pass on to the offspring a trait that increases survival. This trait is then passed on through the offspring and with each generation, mixing in new sets of genes each time from mating with members of the species outside the immediate family, an increasing number of offspring survive that possess the trait, while those that do not die out at higher rates, leading to an increased proportion of the population of that particular species possessing that particular trait.
### Understanding Over-Reproduction and Heritable Variation in the Context of Evolution by Natural Selection **Question:** Describe how over-reproduction and heritable variation relate to evolution by natural selection. **Explanation:** Evolution by natural selection is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how species change over time. Two key factors in this process are over-reproduction and heritable variation: 1. **Over-Reproduction:** - **Definition:** This occurs when organisms produce more offspring than can survive and reproduce. - **Role in Evolution:** This leads to competition for limited resources, such as food, space, and mates. Only some individuals will survive and reproduce, while others will not. 2. **Heritable Variation:** - **Definition:** This refers to the genetic differences among individuals in a population that can be passed on to the next generation. - **Role in Evolution:** These variations affect the individuals' abilities to survive and reproduce. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in the population over generations. **Integration of Both Concepts:** - **Natural Selection:** Natural selection acts on the variation within a population. Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation. - **Result:** Over time, this process can lead to the development of new adaptations and even new species, as beneficial traits accumulate in the population. By understanding how over-reproduction and heritable variation contribute to natural selection, we gain insights into the mechanisms driving the diversity of life on Earth.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Over-Reproduction and Heritable Variation in the Context of Evolution by Natural Selection **Question:** Describe how over-reproduction and heritable variation relate to evolution by natural selection. **Explanation:** Evolution by natural selection is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how species change over time. Two key factors in this process are over-reproduction and heritable variation: 1. **Over-Reproduction:** - **Definition:** This occurs when organisms produce more offspring than can survive and reproduce. - **Role in Evolution:** This leads to competition for limited resources, such as food, space, and mates. Only some individuals will survive and reproduce, while others will not. 2. **Heritable Variation:** - **Definition:** This refers to the genetic differences among individuals in a population that can be passed on to the next generation. - **Role in Evolution:** These variations affect the individuals' abilities to survive and reproduce. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in the population over generations. **Integration of Both Concepts:** - **Natural Selection:** Natural selection acts on the variation within a population. Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation. - **Result:** Over time, this process can lead to the development of new adaptations and even new species, as beneficial traits accumulate in the population. By understanding how over-reproduction and heritable variation contribute to natural selection, we gain insights into the mechanisms driving the diversity of life on Earth.
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