Identify and describe factors that affect evolution, including that competition for limited resources can arise as a species increases in number.

Identify and describe factors that affect evolution, including that individuals in a species have genetic variation that is passed on to their offspring.
Identify and describe factors that affect evolution, including that individuals can have specific traits that give them a competitive advantage relative to other individuals in the species.
Describe the four factors that affect the process of evolution.
Explain the difference between natural selection and biological evolution.
Examine how changes in environmental conditions may result in an increase in the number of individuals of some species, the emergence of new species over time, and the extinction of other species.
Assess the validity, reliability, strengths, and weaknesses of evidence about the outcomes of group behavior.
Analyze the effects of environmental changes on the number of individuals of a species, the number of species in an environment, and the emergence or extinction of a species.

Factors that affect evolution include competition for limited resources, genetic variation passed on to offspring, and specific traits that give individuals a competitive advantage. Competition for limited resources can arise as a species increases in number, leading to natural selection favoring those individuals with advantageous traits. Genetic variation allows for adaptation and diversity within a population, which can be passed on to future generations. Individuals with specific traits that give them a competitive advantage, such as camouflage or efficient locomotion, are more likely to survive and reproduce.

The four factors that affect the process of evolution are mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection. Mutations introduce new genetic variation, genetic drift causes changes in allele frequencies in a population due to random events, gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations, and natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantageous effects on survival and reproduction.

Natural selection is a mechanism of biological evolution, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual change of a population over time. Biological evolution, on the other hand, refers to the change in the genetic composition of a population over generations, including the emergence of new species through the accumulation of genetic differences.

Changes in environmental conditions can result in an increase in the number of individuals of some species, the emergence of new species over time, and the extinction of other species. Environmental changes can create selective pressures that favor certain traits, leading to changes in the genetic composition of a population and potentially the formation of new species. Extinction may occur if a species is unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions or faces competition from other species.

Evidence about the outcomes of group behavior in relation to evolution can vary in validity, reliability, strengths, and weaknesses. It is important to consider the context in which the evidence was collected, the methods used to gather it, and the potential biases that may be present. By critically evaluating the evidence, researchers can gain a better understanding of how group behavior influences evolutionary processes.

Overall, changes in environmental conditions can have significant effects on the number of individuals of a species, the number of species in an environment, and the emergence or extinction of a species. Understanding the factors that drive evolution and the impacts of environmental changes is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystems.