Natural Selection IP (STAAR questions)

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

What is fitness in the context of natural selection?

Back

Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive, find a mate, and produce offspring.

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a characteristic that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

How does cyanide production benefit white clover plants?

Back

Cyanide production helps white clover plants resist predation by poisoning herbivores that consume them.

Front

What role do environmental pressures play in evolution?

Back

Environmental pressures drive natural selection by favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction.

Front

Why do white-tailed deer have a seasonal breeding cycle?

Back

They breed seasonally to ensure that offspring are born when food is most available, increasing their chances of survival.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in a population?

Back

Genetic variation is crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and survive over time.

Front

What is the difference between artificial selection and natural selection?

Back

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed organisms for desired traits, while natural selection occurs without human intervention.

Front

How do mutations contribute to evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.

Front

What is the concept of survival of the fittest?

Back

Survival of the fittest refers to the idea that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.