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Chapter 18: Problem 2

Which of these statements about a natural principle that points to the inevitability of natural selection is false? a. Most characteristics of organisms are inherited. b. Offspring vary among each other in regard to their characteristics. c. Some generations of offspring do not need to compete for resources. d. Certain traits will be better represented in the next generation

Short Answer

Expert verified
Statement C is false.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Natural Selection

Natural selection is a process where organisms with beneficial traits produce more offspring, passing those traits to the next generation. Factors such as inheritance, variation in characteristics, competition for resources, and differential survival play crucial roles in this process.
02

Analyze Statement A

Statement A: 'Most characteristics of organisms are inherited.' This aligns with natural selection since traits are passed from parents to offspring.
03

Analyze Statement B

Statement B: 'Offspring vary among each other in regard to their characteristics.' This statement is true and essential for natural selection, as variation provides the raw material for selection.
04

Analyze Statement C

Statement C: 'Some generations of offspring do not need to compete for resources.' This statement is false because competition is a key element of natural selection; without it, there would be no differential survival or reproduction.
05

Analyze Statement D

Statement D: 'Certain traits will be better represented in the next generation.' This is true according to natural selection since traits that aid survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

inheritance in biology
Inheritance in biology refers to how genetic information is passed from parents to their offspring. This transfer of traits follows the principles of genetics. It ensures that the offspring inherit characteristics such as hair color, eye color, and even some behavioral traits from their parents. Key points about inheritance include:
  • Genes are the basic units of inheritance.
  • Genes are located on chromosomes.
  • Each parent contributes one set of chromosomes to their offspring.
Inheritance is crucial to natural selection because it preserves advantageous traits across generations. Without the consistent transfer of traits, beneficial adaptations could not accumulate in a population.
variation among offspring
Offspring vary among each other in their characteristics due to genetic variation. This variation arises in several ways:
  • Mutations: Random changes in the DNA sequence can introduce new traits.
  • Recombination: During sexual reproduction, chromosomes mix and create unique combinations of genes.
  • Independent Assortment: Genes can independently segregate during the formation of gametes, leading to diverse offspring.
Variation is essential for natural selection. It provides the different traits that can be selected for or against by environmental pressures. Without variation, all individuals would be identical, and natural selection could not occur.
competition for resources
In nature, resources such as food, water, and shelter are limited. Organisms must compete for these resources to survive. This competition is a driving force behind natural selection. The main aspects of competition include:
  • Intraspecific Competition: Competition within the same species.
  • Interspecific Competition: Competition between different species.
  • Resource Scarcity: Limited resources make competition inevitable.
Due to competition, not all individuals will survive and reproduce. Those that do are typically the ones with traits that give them a competitive edge, further enhancing their survival chances.
differential survival
Differential survival refers to the varying ability of individuals to survive and reproduce. This concept is central to natural selection, which relies on the principle that some individuals are better adapted to their environment than others. Key points include:
  • Survival of the Fittest: Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive.
  • Reproductive Success: These individuals are more likely to reproduce and pass on their traits.
  • Environmental Adaptation: Traits that enhance survival in a specific environment become more common.
Over time, differential survival leads to the accumulation of beneficial traits in the population, driving evolution.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the processes described is divergent evolution? a. Groups of organisms evolve in different directions from a common point. b. A new species develops rapidly when an event cuts off a portion of a population. c. Groups of organisms independently evolve to similar forms. d. A species evolves when a few members move to a new geographical area

Which is the best definition of adaptation? a. a trait or behavior that aids an organism鈥檚 survival and reproduction b. a heritable trait or behavior that aids an organism鈥檚 survival and reproduction c. a trait or behavior that aids a population鈥檚 survival and reproduction d. a heritable trait or behavior that aids a population鈥檚 survival and reproduction

Which is an example of an adaptation? a. The better nutrition of a human helps her grow taller. b. The webbed feet of a duck help it swim. c. The urban location of a raccoon helps it find food. d. The large leaves of a desert plant require more water.

Which is the best definition of species? a. A group of individual organisms with significant genetic similarities b. a group of individual organisms with significant genetic similarities that share external and internal characteristics c. a group of individual organisms that interbreed d. a group of individual organisms that interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring

While examining the human genome, you find a gene that is not homologous to any other organisms known to man. You conclude that this gene must be unique to the human species and could not have evolved from another organism. Would this discovery suggest that humans do not share a common ancestor with all other organisms on Earth? Explain your answer.
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