Darwin hypothesized that there are definite steps to natural selection. Consider the model here. Use the Roman numerals (I - III) to guide you through the steps. Which is an accurate description of Darwin's hypothesized theory of natural selection?
A)
Sexual reproduction of bacteria cause variation. Some bacteria survive and some do not. Over time all of the bacteria should become extinct.
Eliminate
B)
In any population, variation exists. Some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. Most bacteria die, but the bacteria that are resistant survive and reproduce.
C)
In a population of bacteria that are exposed to antibiotics, some bacteria change their genetic make-up and survive. The new genetic make-up is passed on to offspring.
D)
There is a change in the environment: an antibiotic is added. Some of the bacteria are capable of changing to the new environment. They survive and reproduce, passing along their favorable traits.
I think b
So do I. (survival of the fittest used to be the rationale )
The accurate description of Darwin's hypothesized theory of natural selection is option D.
I) There is a change in the environment: an antibiotic is added.
II) Some of the bacteria are capable of changing to the new environment.
III) They survive and reproduce, passing along their favorable traits.
This description aligns with Darwin's theory of natural selection, which states that individuals with advantageous traits that help them adapt to changes in their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations.
The accurate description of Darwin's hypothesized theory of natural selection is option D.
To understand why this is the correct option, let's break down Darwin's theory of natural selection step by step using the provided Roman numerals (I - III):
I) Variation: In any population, there is natural variation. This means that individuals within a population differ in their traits, which can be due to genetic differences or environmental factors.
II) Selection: When there is a change in the environment or a new pressure is applied, individuals with certain traits may be better suited to survive and reproduce compared to others. This is known as natural selection.
III) Inheritance: The traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to a gradual accumulation of beneficial traits in a population.
Now, let's analyze each option to determine which one accurately describes Darwin's theory of natural selection:
A) This option states that all bacteria should become extinct over time. This contradicts Darwin's theory as it implies that there is no variation, selection, or inheritance occurring. Thus, this option can be eliminated.
B) This option acknowledges the existence of variation within a population, specifically mentioning resistance to antibiotics. It also mentions that the bacteria that are resistant survive and reproduce. This aligns with Darwin's theory of natural selection, as it includes the concepts of variation, selection, and inheritance. However, it does not mention any change in the environment, which is a crucial aspect of natural selection. Therefore, this option is not the most accurate.
C) This option includes the concept of bacterial population exposed to antibiotics, and some bacteria changing their genetic make-up and passing it on to offspring. However, it does not explicitly mention the role of selection or the survival and reproduction of individuals with beneficial traits. Therefore, this option is not the most accurate representation of Darwin's theory.
D) This option mentions a change in the environment, specifically the addition of an antibiotic. It also states that some bacteria can change to adapt to the new environment, survive, and reproduce, passing along their favorable traits. This option includes all the essential components of Darwin's theory: variation, selection, and inheritance. Therefore, option D is the most accurate description of Darwin's hypothesized theory of natural selection.