Question

What is the process by which better-suited organisms survive and reproduce? A) endangerment C) gymnosperm B) extinction D) natural selection

Short answer

The process is called natural selection.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Keywords

The keywords in the question include 'better-suited organisms,' 'survive,' and 'reproduce.' These terms refer to organisms that are more adapted to their environment and thus more likely to live and pass on their genes.

Understand the Options

Review the options provided: A) endangerment, C) gymnosperm, B) extinction, D) natural selection. We are looking for a term that describes a biological process related to survival and reproduction based on suitability.

Match Keywords to Concepts

The concept that matches 'better-suited organisms survive and reproduce' is 'natural selection.' Natural Selection (D) is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Evaluate Irrelevance of Other Options

The other options do not match the description given: - Endangerment refers to species at risk of extinction, not a survival process. - Gymnosperms are a group of plants, unrelated to the process. - Extinction is the dying out of species, not survival.

Concluding the Correct Answer

After comparing all options, Natural Selection clearly aligns with the question's description about survival and reproduction based on better adaptation.

Key concepts

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary Biology is the study of the processes that lead to the diversity of life on our planet. It explores how organisms have changed over time and what factors contribute to these changes.
Essentially, evolutionary biology provides insights into how current species came to be and how they continue to evolve. One of the main focuses of evolutionary biology is the mechanism of natural selection. This mechanism describes how certain traits become more common within a population over generations. This occurs because these traits increase the chances of survival and reproduction.
This process is meticulously supported by the vast evidence gathered from fossil records, genetic studies, and observed changes in living organisms. Evolutionary biology also encompasses the study of genetic variation. It examines how differences in DNA among individuals can lead to changes in traits and how these differences are maintained and change over time.
With a clear understanding of evolutionary biology, we gain insights into the past, understand the present biodiversity, and make predictions about the future of life on Earth.

Adaptation

Adaptation is a critical concept in understanding how organisms thrive in their environments. It refers to the process where organisms develop features or traits that increase their chances of survival and reproduction in a particular environment.
These adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological – each type serving different needs. Structural adaptations are physical features such as the long neck of a giraffe, which enables it to reach high leaves for feeding. Behavioral adaptations include actions animals take to survive, like birds migrating to warmer climates during winter. Physiological adaptations involve internal body processes, such as humans shivering to generate warmth.
Over many generations, the accumulation of adaptations leads to the evolution of species that are better suited to their environments. This process often results in a high degree of specialization, allowing species to exploit specific niches and resources effectively.
Successfully adapted organisms are more likely to reproduce and pass those advantageous traits to their offspring, perpetuating the cycle of adaptation and evolution.

Survival of the Fittest

The phrase "Survival of the Fittest" is often used to describe the process of natural selection. It captures the idea that in nature, individuals best suited for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. "Fittest" doesn't mean the strongest necessarily, but refers to how well an organism is adapted to its environment. For instance, a fast prey animal can evade predators more effectively, making speed a crucial trait for survival in certain habitats.
This concept emphasizes that evolutionary success is not about aggression or strength, but fitting well within a particular ecological system. Because environments change, what constitutes "fit" can also change over time, leading to shifts in populations and the traits that define them.
As species adapt, evolve or migrate to survive changing conditions, this dynamic process ensures that life continues to be diverse and innovatively complex.
Understanding Survival of the Fittest helps explain why certain species thrive in their environment while others may struggle and face extinction. It's a key idea that enriches our comprehension of biodiversity and the natural world.