Which scenario best illustrates the process of natural selection? (See image to right) ?These 3 ?breeds of dogs are the result of
cloning
artificial selection ( ?selective breeding)
sexual selection
natural selection
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is natural selection. Here is a detailed explanation:
Natural Selection Explained
Natural selection is a process where organisms with traits that confer a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to survive and pass those traits to their offspring. Over generations, this process leads to the adaptation of populations to their environments.
Example Scenario
Imagine a population of wild dogs living in an area with a harsh winter climate. Dogs with thicker fur are better insulated and more likely to survive the cold than dogs with thinner fur. These thick-furred dogs have a better chance of surviving, reproducing, and passing on their genes for thick fur to their offspring. Over many generations, the population evolves to predominantly have thick-furred individuals because this trait enhances survival in that specific environment.
Why Natural Selection Fits Best
Natural selection acts on genetic variations within a population. Unlike artificial selection, which involves human intervention in breeding for specific traits, natural selection is driven by environmental pressures without human influence. It differs from sexual selection, where traits evolve primarily because they are attractive to mates rather than for survival. Finally, cloning involves creating genetically identical organisms and is unrelated to evolutionary change through selection.
In natural environments, genetic diversity plays a crucial role. It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, ensuring populations can adapt to changing conditions. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common over time, leading to evolutionary changes.
Summary
Natural selection is nature’s way of shaping populations by favoring advantageous traits. It ensures that species evolve to fit their environments, promoting biodiversity and long-term survival.