Natural Selection is a term coined by the Famous Charles Darwin after his work with the Galapagos Finches. In its simplest terms, it is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive longer and therefore produce more offspring.
Natural Selection is characterized by several terms: Adaptations: Heritable characteristics that enhance an organisms ability to survive in a particular environment. Note that mutations in DNA can create helpful adaptions. However, it is the least likely way in which a population acquires adaptations. Fitness: This can be explained in terms of phenotypes and genotypes. A trait is fit if it allows an organism to survive and reproduce longer in its environment than those without that trait. An organisms overall fitness is its ability to survive and reproduce in a certain environment. |
Important Points about natural selection
Population SurvivalA population produces far more offspring than can survive in its conditions. There will always be competition within a population and ecosystem.
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Differential Reproductive successIndividuals with better suited traits to the environment are more likely to survive than those with traits that are less suited.
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Evolution and environmentsEvolution occurs when reproduction over several years leads to adaptations within a population. If the environment changes it is likely that the fitness of certain phenotypes and genotypes will change as well.
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