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What is natural selection and how does it relate to descent with modification (evolution as described by Darwin).

What is natural selection and how does it relate to descent with modification (evolution as described by Darwin).

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
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### Natural Selection and Evolution **Natural Selection** is the process in which individuals with certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals of the same species, because of those particular traits. Descent with modification directly relates to natural selection in that it *is* natural selection along a very long period of time (i.e. evolution!). **Evolution and descent with modification** essentially are the diversification of life from a common ancestor, branching out and adapting to various environments by way of better-suited offspring outliving lesser-suited offspring in a particular environment, reproducing with others suited for that environment, and creating separate populations that are continually better and better suited for an environmental niche until you have whole separate species that have evolved over time to fit their purpose in their specific ecosystem. Without natural selection, there would be no evolution. Natural selection is the method through which evolution happens, by way of slowly altering populations as they continually change to survive in their habitat as best they can. Increased survival for those better suited to their environment means better chances of reproduction and the passing on of genes which produces offspring with increasingly suitable traits. --- This educational website aims to elucidate the principles of natural selection and evolution, grounding these concepts in concrete examples and accessible language.
Transcribed Image Text:### Natural Selection and Evolution **Natural Selection** is the process in which individuals with certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals of the same species, because of those particular traits. Descent with modification directly relates to natural selection in that it *is* natural selection along a very long period of time (i.e. evolution!). **Evolution and descent with modification** essentially are the diversification of life from a common ancestor, branching out and adapting to various environments by way of better-suited offspring outliving lesser-suited offspring in a particular environment, reproducing with others suited for that environment, and creating separate populations that are continually better and better suited for an environmental niche until you have whole separate species that have evolved over time to fit their purpose in their specific ecosystem. Without natural selection, there would be no evolution. Natural selection is the method through which evolution happens, by way of slowly altering populations as they continually change to survive in their habitat as best they can. Increased survival for those better suited to their environment means better chances of reproduction and the passing on of genes which produces offspring with increasingly suitable traits. --- This educational website aims to elucidate the principles of natural selection and evolution, grounding these concepts in concrete examples and accessible language.
### Understanding Natural Selection and Its Role in Descent with Modification (Evolution) **Question: What is natural selection and how does it relate to descent with modification (evolution as described by Darwin)?** Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution as proposed by Charles Darwin. It refers to the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept hinges on the idea of "survival of the fittest," where fitness is measured by an organism's ability to survive, reproduce, and pass on advantageous traits to the next generation. **Descent with modification** is another critical concept introduced by Darwin. It describes how organisms change over generations, leading to the diversity of life observed today. As descendants of ancestral species accumulate modifications or changes, these new traits can enhance survival and reproductive success in their particular environments. Over long periods, these cumulative changes can result in the formation of new species. ### Key Points 1. **Variation**: Within any population, individuals have variations in traits such as size, shape, and behavior. These variations can be inherited. 2. **Competition**: Individuals compete for limited resources like food, shelter, and mates. 3. **Survival and Reproduction**: Those with variations best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. 4. **Inheritance**: Successful traits are passed on to the next generation, gradually becoming more common in the population. ### Diagrams and Graphs (If applicable) Imagine a graph where the x-axis represents different traits in a population, and the y-axis represents the frequency of those traits. Initially, you might see a wide distribution of traits. Over time, as natural selection acts on the population, the distribution will shift towards traits that confer survival advantages, which are more frequently passed on to successive generations. For a more detailed understanding, diagrams that illustrate the process of natural selection and descent with modification can be beneficial. Such diagrams typically show: - Initial variation in a population. - How a particular environment favors certain traits. - The subsequent increase in frequency of favorable traits within the population over generations. Understanding these principles helps explain the intricate and dynamic process that drives the diversity of life on Earth.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Natural Selection and Its Role in Descent with Modification (Evolution) **Question: What is natural selection and how does it relate to descent with modification (evolution as described by Darwin)?** Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution as proposed by Charles Darwin. It refers to the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept hinges on the idea of "survival of the fittest," where fitness is measured by an organism's ability to survive, reproduce, and pass on advantageous traits to the next generation. **Descent with modification** is another critical concept introduced by Darwin. It describes how organisms change over generations, leading to the diversity of life observed today. As descendants of ancestral species accumulate modifications or changes, these new traits can enhance survival and reproductive success in their particular environments. Over long periods, these cumulative changes can result in the formation of new species. ### Key Points 1. **Variation**: Within any population, individuals have variations in traits such as size, shape, and behavior. These variations can be inherited. 2. **Competition**: Individuals compete for limited resources like food, shelter, and mates. 3. **Survival and Reproduction**: Those with variations best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. 4. **Inheritance**: Successful traits are passed on to the next generation, gradually becoming more common in the population. ### Diagrams and Graphs (If applicable) Imagine a graph where the x-axis represents different traits in a population, and the y-axis represents the frequency of those traits. Initially, you might see a wide distribution of traits. Over time, as natural selection acts on the population, the distribution will shift towards traits that confer survival advantages, which are more frequently passed on to successive generations. For a more detailed understanding, diagrams that illustrate the process of natural selection and descent with modification can be beneficial. Such diagrams typically show: - Initial variation in a population. - How a particular environment favors certain traits. - The subsequent increase in frequency of favorable traits within the population over generations. Understanding these principles helps explain the intricate and dynamic process that drives the diversity of life on Earth.
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