What evolves during natural selection?(1 point)
Responses
inactivated genes
inactivated genes
entire species
entire species
the phenotypes of individual organisms
the phenotypes of individual organisms
the proportion of different traits in a population
There is abundant evidence supporting the evolution of traits through natural selection. Here are a few examples:
1. Fossil Record: The fossil record provides evidence of gradual changes in species over time. Transitional fossils, such as Archaeopteryx (a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds), show the evolution of new traits and the transition from one species to another.
2. Genetic Studies: DNA analysis provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between species. By comparing the genetic sequences of different organisms, scientists can determine the degree of relatedness and trace the evolution of specific traits.
3. Observations of Natural Selection in Action: Numerous studies have documented instances of natural selection in action. One example is the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. With the widespread use of antibiotics, bacteria that possess genetic variations enabling them to survive antibiotic treatment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction, leading to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
4. Biogeography: The distribution of species across different geographical regions provides evidence of evolution and adaptation to specific environments. For example, the variations in beak shapes and sizes among Darwin's finches in the Galapagos Islands are adapted to the different food sources available on the various islands.
5. Artificial Selection: Humans have applied selective breeding techniques for centuries to selectively breed plants and animals with desired traits. This process mimics natural selection and provides evidence that traits can be altered through selective pressure.
These are just a few examples of the evidence supporting the evolution of traits through natural selection. The accumulation of such evidence from various scientific disciplines has led to the widely accepted theory of evolution by natural selection.