natural selection

Traits affecting survival and reproduction can change in frequency. This topic is part of Evolution within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 10 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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natural selection trivia questions

Natural selection is a mechanism of what?

Answer: Evolution

Bonus fact: Traits affecting survival and reproduction can change in frequency.

Who is most famously associated with explaining natural selection?

Answer: Charles Darwin

Bonus fact: Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the idea.

Natural selection acts directly on differences in what?

Answer: Reproductive success

Bonus fact: Individuals leaving more offspring contribute more genes to future generations.

Which naturalist is most closely associated with the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Answer: Charles Darwin

Bonus fact: Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the idea of natural selection.

Natural selection increases the frequency of adaptations when they improve what?

Answer: Reproductive success

Bonus fact: Traits that increase reproductive success tend to become more common.

Which 1859 book presented Darwin's case for evolution by natural selection?

Answer: On the Origin of Species

Bonus fact: On the Origin of Species transformed biology.

Charles Darwin is best known for developing the theory of what?

Answer: Evolution by natural selection

Bonus fact: Darwin explained how natural selection can shape species over generations.

What evolutionary process explains how different finch species became adapted to different foods?

Answer: Natural selection

Bonus fact: Environmental differences favored different beak traits.

The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is associated with what theory?

Answer: Evolution by natural selection

Bonus fact: Fitness refers to reproductive success, not simply strength.

What process allows resistant bacteria to become more common after antibiotic exposure?

Answer: Natural selection

Bonus fact: Susceptible bacteria die while resistant ones survive and reproduce.

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