Charles Darwin II: Natural Selection

Ecological adaptations can become widely spread within a wild population by

• a.differential reproduction.
• b.artificial selection.
• c.discretionary breeding.
• d.genetic mutations.

The forces that shape reproductive success are called

• a.struggles for existence.
• b.adaptations.
• c.selective pressures.
• d.population drive.

The difference between the number of individuals born in a population and the number that actually reproduce suggests that adaptation is at work.

• a.true
• b.false

Although we know that natural selection is always there, we can't _____ its effect.

• a.measure
• b.predict
• c.deny
• d.reconstruct

Choose the BEST option to complete this sentence: Darwin suggested that the physical characteristics of a population will change over time because

• a.disease will kill off a portion of the population before they are able to reproduce.
• b.those with the traits best suited to the environment will survive to reproduce.
• c.the number of offspring born in a population will increase over time.
• d.physical variation occurs naturally in any given population.

When environmental change occurs, those with the traits best suited to the new environment will have the greatest chance of survival.

• a.true
• b.false

Why is it impossible to predict how natural selection will effect a population?

• a.It is impossible to tell how the population will interact with the environment.
• b.It is impossible to know which traits serve certain functions.
• c.It is impossible to know how other factors might affect the population.
• d.It is impossible to tell the individuals within a population apart.