Science K-12 7B natural selection
Natural selection is a key concept in the field of biology that explains how species evolve over time. It is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than those that are less well adapted. This leads to changes in the traits of a population over generations, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to pass those traits on to their offspring.
There are four main components of natural selection:
1. Variation: Within a population, there is genetic variation, meaning individuals have different traits that can affect their ability to survive and reproduce.
2. Heritability: Traits that are beneficial for survival and reproduction can be passed on to offspring, increasing the frequency of those traits in the population over time.
3. Differential reproduction: Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations.
4. Selection pressure: Environmental factors, such as predators, food availability, and competition, can impose pressure on populations, favoring individuals with certain traits that allow them to better survive and reproduce.
Overall, natural selection is a driving force of evolution, leading to the adaptation of species to their environment over time. It is a fundamental principle in understanding the diversity of life on Earth.