Natural Selection

survival

noun – the state of continuing to live due to being well adapted

Why might darker moths have a greater survival rate during a period of heavy pollution?

random

adjective – without a particular order or method

Janay reached into the raffle ticket box, drew out a ticket at random, and won. Was that fair? Explain.

reproduction

noun – the production of offspring

How might wolves’ reproduction rates be affected by an increase in the bison population?

selection

noun – a process where certain organisms live more successfully

Explain how selection might cause iguanas that live on rocks at the seashore to have longer claws.

evolution

noun – the process by which living things slowly change from earlier forms

Think of an animal with an unusual trait. How might evolution explain the development of this trait?

species

noun – a group of living things capable of breeding and exchanging genes

Do you think there are more insect species or mammal species? How could you find out?

adaptation

noun – a change where a species becomes better fit for a certain environment

Due to adaptation, sea otters have very dense fur to keep warm in cold ocean water. Can you think of an animal adaptation related to color?

fitness

noun – compatibility for a certain environment

What qualities demonstrate the fitness of fish for living under water?

breed

verb – to mate for reproduction

Do you think people are justified in breeding dogs even though many strays end up in shelters? Why or why not?