Natural selection is a key mechanism of the evolutionary process and relates to the occurrence of certain traits within a population and they way in which these traits affect the survival and reproductive success of an organism.
Organisms need to be able to adapt to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. Any advantageous traits that occur within a population increase an individual’s chance of survival, thus resulting in the organism producing more offspring than those who have not inherited this particular trait. Examples of these traits may include a change in colour or smell, or a resistance to a particular disease.
Comparatively, a disadvantageous trait will result in a lower chance for survival and reproduction. Those organisms …show more content…
First, a random mutation occurs, resulting in a distinct trait variation. For example, consider a population of birds. The birds’ food source of soft seeds becomes scarce and they must begin to eat harder seeds and nuts in order to survive. A random variation occurs within the population, resulting in an organism possessing a stronger or larger beak. This allows this individual to eat more, therefore increasing its rate of survival and enabling it to produce more offspring. The surviving birds that possess this trait will pass it on to their offspring and the birds without strong beaks will eventually die out.
Beak morphology- Darwin’s finches (above) are an example of how a variation in beak reflects the food being consumed. The finch on the far left (Geospiza magnirostris) has a large beak in comparison to the other birds, thus indicating it is more accustomed to consuming harder seeds as opposed to soft fruit, leaves etc.
-Photo : http://www2.nau.edu/lrm22/lessons/bird_lab/bird_lab.html
• Outline the evidence for natural selection
Comparative anatomy
Comparative anatomy refers to the study of anatomical similarities and variations in different species. It provides important evidentiary support for evolution and natural selection as similarities can be an indicator that certain species share a common ancestor.
There are two main types of comparative …show more content…
Biochemical analysis presents evidence for natural selection and evolution as similarities in protein structures and DNA sequences are a sign of common descent. Similar genetic codes suggest that two organisms are closely related and are likely to share a common ancestor. For example, in 2005 scientists sequenced the genome of chimpanzees and found that humans share 96% of their DNA with these particular great apes . This biochemical analysis indicates that chimps are our closest living relative and that we share a common
Organisms need to be able to adapt to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. Any advantageous traits that occur within a population increase an individual’s chance of survival, thus resulting in the organism producing more offspring than those who have not inherited this particular trait. Examples of these traits may include a change in colour or smell, or a resistance to a particular disease.
Comparatively, a disadvantageous trait will result in a lower chance for survival and reproduction. Those organisms …show more content…
First, a random mutation occurs, resulting in a distinct trait variation. For example, consider a population of birds. The birds’ food source of soft seeds becomes scarce and they must begin to eat harder seeds and nuts in order to survive. A random variation occurs within the population, resulting in an organism possessing a stronger or larger beak. This allows this individual to eat more, therefore increasing its rate of survival and enabling it to produce more offspring. The surviving birds that possess this trait will pass it on to their offspring and the birds without strong beaks will eventually die out.
Beak morphology- Darwin’s finches (above) are an example of how a variation in beak reflects the food being consumed. The finch on the far left (Geospiza magnirostris) has a large beak in comparison to the other birds, thus indicating it is more accustomed to consuming harder seeds as opposed to soft fruit, leaves etc.
-Photo : http://www2.nau.edu/lrm22/lessons/bird_lab/bird_lab.html
• Outline the evidence for natural selection
Comparative anatomy
Comparative anatomy refers to the study of anatomical similarities and variations in different species. It provides important evidentiary support for evolution and natural selection as similarities can be an indicator that certain species share a common ancestor.
There are two main types of comparative …show more content…
Biochemical analysis presents evidence for natural selection and evolution as similarities in protein structures and DNA sequences are a sign of common descent. Similar genetic codes suggest that two organisms are closely related and are likely to share a common ancestor. For example, in 2005 scientists sequenced the genome of chimpanzees and found that humans share 96% of their DNA with these particular great apes . This biochemical analysis indicates that chimps are our closest living relative and that we share a common