Question

As Darwin recognized, populations evolve through natural selection when which of the following condition(s) are met? A. Variation of traits among individuals B. Competition for limited resources C. More offspring are produced than can survive D. All of the above

Short answer

D. All of the above.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Concepts

Recognize that the problem is asking about the conditions under which natural selection causes populations to evolve. Understand that natural selection is a mechanism of evolution.

Examine Each Condition

Consider each condition individually: A. Variation of traits among individuals allows natural selection to act on differences. B. Competition for limited resources leads to differential survival and reproduction. C. More offspring being produced than can survive creates a struggle for existence.

Evaluate Combined Conditions

Jonathan Look at whether all the conditions together make sense. Natural selection requires variation (A), competition (B), and overproduction (C) to result in differential survival and reproduction.

Draw a Conclusion

Combining these insights, Darwin recognized that natural selection is effective under the presence of all the listed conditions. Hence, the correct answer is D. All of the above.

Key concepts

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary biology is the study of how species change over time. It's a fundamental concept that explains the diversity of life on Earth. This field helps us understand how traits in populations evolve through mechanisms like natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. By studying evolutionary biology, we can see how species adapt to their environments and how new species come into being. Scientists in this field ask questions like:
• How do certain traits provide advantages?
• What environmental pressures lead to the evolution of these traits?
Understanding these processes helps us grasp how current species have evolved from their ancestors over millions of years.

Variation in Traits

Variation in traits among individuals in a population is crucial for natural selection. These differences arise from genetic mutations, sexual reproduction, and other genetic combinations. Without variation, all individuals would be the same, and there would be no 'better' or 'worse' traits for the environment.
Consider how different fur colors might help animals blend into their environments better, protecting them from predators. Some key points about variation are:
• Variation allows nature to 'select' the most advantageous traits.
• It provides the raw material for evolution to occur.
Variation is what makes each individual unique and influences how well they survive and reproduce under environmental pressures.

Competition for Resources

In any environment, resources like food, water, and shelter are limited. This limitation leads to competition among individuals. Only those best suited to the environment will survive and reproduce. This is often summed up by the phrase 'survival of the fittest.'
Key points to understand about competition are:
• It drives natural selection by creating a struggle for survival.
• Those with advantageous traits are more likely to secure resources and reproduce.
This competition ensures that beneficial traits are passed on to the next generation, shaping the evolution of species over time.

Overproduction of Offspring

Overproduction means that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive in an environment with limited resources. This leads to a survival competition because not all offspring will live to adulthood.
Some aspects to consider about overproduction include:
• It creates a competitive environment where only the fittest survive.
• It increases the chances of beneficial traits being passed down.
• It contributes to the natural selection process by ensuring that only advantageous traits are carried forward.
Overproduction is a way nature ensures only the best-suited individuals make it to reproductive age, promoting the evolution of better-adapted species.