Natural Selection
Biology ⇒ Evolution and Diversity
Natural Selection starts at 8 and continues till grade 12.
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See sample questions for grade 8
A population of beetles has green and brown individuals. Birds can see green beetles more easily. Over time, the population has more brown beetles. What process is this an example of?
A population of birds has a range of beak sizes. If the environment changes so that only large seeds are available, what is likely to happen to the population over time?
A population of insects is exposed to a new pesticide. Most die, but a few survive because they have a gene that makes them resistant. Over time, the population becomes mostly resistant. What process is this?
A population of rabbits lives in a snowy environment. Some have white fur, others have brown fur. Predators more easily catch brown rabbits. Over generations, most rabbits have white fur. What is this an example of?
A scientist observes that a certain type of moth is more common in polluted areas because its dark color helps it hide from predators. What is this an example of?
Describe how environmental changes can affect natural selection in a population.
Describe how natural selection can lead to evolution over time.
Describe how natural selection can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Describe the difference between natural selection and artificial selection.
Explain why natural selection does not create new traits, but acts on existing variation.
Explain why natural selection is sometimes called 'survival of the fittest.'
Explain why not all traits in a population are adaptations.
Explain why variation in a population is important for natural selection.
What is natural selection?
A population of lizards lives on two separate islands. On Island A, the ground is dark volcanic rock, while on Island B, the ground is light sand. Over many generations, lizards on Island A become darker, while those on Island B become lighter. Explain how natural selection could lead to these differences.
A population of plants has some individuals that can survive with very little water, while others cannot. During a long drought, only the drought-tolerant plants survive and reproduce. What is the most likely long-term effect on the population?
A scientist observes that a certain fish species develops longer fins in colder water, which helps them swim faster and escape predators. If the water temperature rises and the longer fins are no longer advantageous, what is likely to happen to the frequency of the long fin trait in the population over time?
Explain why natural selection does not always lead to the 'perfect' organism for an environment.
