Natural Selection "Pop" Quiz

Artificial selection refers to the process in which humans intentionally choose certain traits in plants or animals and breed them to enhance those traits in future generations. Farmers selecting chickens to breed is an example of artificial selection because they choose specific chickens with desirable characteristics, such as high egg production or meat quality, and mate them to produce offspring with those traits. This process allows farmers to selectively breed chickens that are more beneficial for their needs, resulting in the development of different breeds over time.

The variation in the finches' beaks that Darwin studied is caused by their diet. Different types of food sources require different beak shapes and sizes to effectively obtain and consume the food. The finches' beaks adapt and evolve over time in response to the available food sources in their environment. This variation in beak morphology is a key factor in their survival and ability to compete for resources.

Disease, competition for food, and predation are all factors that can limit population growth. Disease can spread rapidly within a population, causing illness and death. Competition for food occurs when there is limited resources available, leading to a decrease in population size. Predation refers to the act of one organism consuming another, which can reduce the number of individuals in a population. The presence of new prey, however, does not necessarily limit population growth as it may provide additional resources for the population to thrive.

The difference in the size of the jaguar's skull is most likely caused by a difference in prey. Jaguars are known to have a varied diet, and the size and availability of their prey can have an impact on their overall skull size. If the jaguars have access to larger prey, they may have larger skulls to accommodate their hunting needs. Conversely, if their prey is smaller, their skulls may be smaller as well. This adaptation allows them to effectively capture and consume their prey.