Question

Populations of organisms change over the course of many generations. Many of these changes are the result of greater reproductive success. This phenomenon is a. evolution. d. genetics. b, homeostasis. e. metabolism. c. development.

Short answer

The correct answer of the given statement is 'a. evolution'

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terminology

To find the correct answer, the student must first understand the meanings of each of the five terms provided as possible answers. Each term refers to a unique concept in biology, so it's important not to get them confused. Evolution means the changes in heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations. Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms. Homeostasis is the property of a system that maintains its internal environment and tends to stabilize by adjusting the physiological processes. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in living organisms that maintain life, involving both the synthesis of complex substances and the breakdown of complex substances to simpler ones. Lastly, development refers to the process of growth and maturation of an organism over time.

Matching the Definition to the Correct Term

To identify the correct term that corresponds to the description, you need to match the given statement to the definition of one of the terms. The provided statement is about the changes in a population due to greater reproductive success over many generations. According to the definitions provided in Step 1, this process can be most accurately described as 'evolution'.

Key concepts

Reproductive Success

Reproductive success is a fundamental concept in the study of evolution and biology. It refers to the ability of an organism to pass on its genetic information by producing offspring that survive to reach reproductive age. Essentially, it measures an individual's contribution to the gene pool of the next generation. In the context of a population, when certain traits or behaviors increase the number of offspring that survive, those traits are more likely to be inherited by the next generation. This concept is central to understanding natural selection and how populations evolve over time.

For example, if a certain behavior, such as effective foraging or mating rituals, leads to an increase in reproductive success, that behavior stands a higher chance of being propagated throughout the population. Thus, reproductive success is not just about the number of offspring, but the quality and survivability of those offspring as well.

Population Change

Population change in biology refers to the variations in the number, composition, size, or distribution of individuals within a species over time. These changes can result from multiple factors including reproductive success, environmental conditions, predation pressures, and availability of resources. A population might increase due to high birth rates and immigration of individuals, or decrease due to high death rates and emigration.

Environmental factors can significantly influence population change. For instance, a favorable change in the environment, such as a wet season in an arid area, may result in an abundance of resources that can lead to a population boom. Alternatively, negative changes like natural disasters, habitat destruction, or sudden resource scarcity can result in a population decline. Understanding how populations change is vital for conservation efforts, managing species in their natural habitats, and predicting how species may respond to future environmental changes.

Biology Terms

Grasping core biology terms is crucial for students to accurately comprehend and navigate the complex subject of biology. Each term represents a building block for understanding biological processes and principles. Some essential biology terms include genetics, the study of heredity and variation in organisms; homeostasis, the ability of an organism or environment to maintain stability in response to changes; metabolism, the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms; and development, the process of growth and differentiation.

Each term encapsulates a different aspect of life and contributes to the broader understanding of biological functions. For instance, genetics explains how traits are inherited and vary in a population, while homeostasis showcases the incredible balance organisms maintain to survive. Metabolism unveils the intricate energy transformations within cells, and development traces the journey from a single cell to a complex organism. Understanding these terms is not only crucial for academic success but also for appreciating the remarkable mechanisms of life.