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Difficulty: MediumDarwin's Theory of Natural Selection

Match each biological observation of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection on the left with its corresponding ecological or evolutionary outcome on the right.

  • High reproductive potential of species (Overproduction)Prevents unchecked exponential population growth in nature
  • Constancy of environmental resources and carrying capacityInduces an intense struggle for existence among members of a population
  • Inherited phenotypic variation among individualsProvides the essential raw material upon which natural selection operates
  • Differential survival and reproductive successGradually increases the proportion of favorable adaptive traits in subsequent generations

Answer

High reproductive potential matches with preventing unchecked exponential population growth; Constancy of environmental resources matches with inducing an intense struggle for existence; Inherited phenotypic variation matches with providing the essential raw material upon which natural selection operates; Differential survival and reproductive success matches with gradually increasing the proportion of favorable adaptive traits.
High reproductive potential paired with limited resources keeps population sizes stable by causing a struggle for existence. Inherited phenotypic variation acts as the raw material for selection, and differential survival ensures that beneficial adaptations increase in frequency over generations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the concept of overproduction of offspring in natural populations.
Overproduction combined with environmental limits restricts population sizes.
Darwin noted that living organisms produce far more gametes and offspring than ever reach reproductive maturity.
2
Relate resource availability to population competition.
Limited food, space, and mates create a continuous struggle for existence.
Since carrying capacity is finite, individuals must compete for essential resources to survive.
3
Identify the role of pre-existing variations within a species.
Phenotypic variations serve as the substrate sorted by environmental pressures.
Without inherited differences between organisms, selection cannot favor specific traits over others.
4
Determine the long-term population outcome of natural selection.
Adaptive traits become more common in successive generations.
Organisms bearing advantageous traits leave more surviving offspring, shifting the population's genetic and phenotypic profile.

Key Concept

Darwinian Principles of Natural Selection
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Topics

Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection

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