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Natural selection acts on heritable variation. What does this mean

Natural selection acts on heritable variation. What does this mean

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
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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**Natural Selection and Heritable Variation: Understanding the Concepts** The text in question—"Natural selection acts on heritable variation. What does this mean?"—highlights a fundamental principle of evolutionary biology. Let's delve into the meaning of these terms: **Natural Selection**: This is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin and is now the principal explanation for adaptive evolution. **Heritable Variation**: These are the differences in genetic information passed down from parents to offspring. Variations can occur through mutations, gene recombination, and other mechanisms that introduce differences in physical traits or behaviors. **Explanation**: Natural selection acts on the traits that are heritable, meaning it selects for or against traits that can be passed to the next generation. For example, if a particular trait gives an organism a better chance of surviving and reproducing, that trait is more likely to be present in future generations. Over time, this leads to the adaptation of species to their environments. In summary, natural selection requires heritable variation to drive the evolutionary process, promoting traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Transcribed Image Text:**Natural Selection and Heritable Variation: Understanding the Concepts** The text in question—"Natural selection acts on heritable variation. What does this mean?"—highlights a fundamental principle of evolutionary biology. Let's delve into the meaning of these terms: **Natural Selection**: This is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin and is now the principal explanation for adaptive evolution. **Heritable Variation**: These are the differences in genetic information passed down from parents to offspring. Variations can occur through mutations, gene recombination, and other mechanisms that introduce differences in physical traits or behaviors. **Explanation**: Natural selection acts on the traits that are heritable, meaning it selects for or against traits that can be passed to the next generation. For example, if a particular trait gives an organism a better chance of surviving and reproducing, that trait is more likely to be present in future generations. Over time, this leads to the adaptation of species to their environments. In summary, natural selection requires heritable variation to drive the evolutionary process, promoting traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
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