Sexual selection is a "special case" of natural selection. Define sexual selection (explain the concepts of male competition and female choice in your answer)
How do the unique traits of the animal you have chosen increase its fitness (in reproductive terms)?
Full Answer Section
Evolution: Natural selection is the driving force behind evolution.As natural selection continues over vast stretches of time, populations of organisms gradually change.These changes can be so significant that eventually, a new species may emerge, distinct from the original ancestor.So, evolution is the result of natural selection acting on populations over a long period, leading to the development of new traits and the diversification of life on Earth.
Four Key Components of Natural Selection:
Variation: No two individuals in a population are exactly alike.This variation arises from mutations in genes and can be passed on to offspring.
Heritability: These variations must be heritable, meaning they can be passed down from parents to offspring.
Differential Reproduction: Individuals with traits that better suit their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits.
Time: Natural selection is a gradual process that unfolds over many generations.
Variable Traits for Selection:
Natural selection can act upon a wide range of variable traits, including:
Physical Traits: Body size, fur color, beak shape, wingspan, speed, etc.
Behavioral Traits: Aggression, migration patterns, hunting strategies, parental care, etc.
Physiological Traits: Disease resistance, immune system function, metabolic rate, etc.
Now, let's explore the video (Understanding Evolution-Sexual Selection, Zenergy Films) and see how natural selection plays out in a specific example.
Sample Answer
Natural Selection and Evolution Explained
Natural Selection: Imagine a game of hide-and-seek, but instead of kids, it's animals in their natural habitat. Some animals have traits that make them better at hiding from predators (camouflage) or catching prey (sharp claws).These beneficial traits are more likely to help them survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring.Over many generations, the population will have more and more individuals with these advantageous traits.This process, where organisms with favorable traits have a higher chance of survival and reproduction, is called natural selection