1. Give an example of natural selection. Explain how natural selection has helpe
ID: 190078 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Give an example of natural selection. Explain how natural selection has helped that organism's survival and reproductive success. (4 points) 2. As mentioned in class, geographic isolation can lead to the formation of new species, such as Darwin's finches he observed. What other ways can new species form? (4 points) 3. Give a specific example of resource partitioning (specific species). (2 points) A bird's beak is specialized for cracking seeds. What would be the physical characteristics of this beak? (2 points)Explanation / Answer
1. Natural Selection is the process of evolution that leads to survival and success of a newly evolved species. The selection of the survival strategy is the newer adaptation which is dependent on the environment where the species lives. The species should be able to reproduce with these chosen phenotype adaptations successfully to be proclaimed as natural selection, in other words, heritable phenotypes. The characteristic features of natural selection are: variation in traits, differential reproduction and heredity. The contemporary example for natural selection are the antibiotic resistant microorganisms, pesticide resistant mosquitoes and insects. For example, MRSA, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, are evolution of strains that are resistant to methicillin antibiotics. These strains are highly successful and propagates that they are called superbugs.
2. Geographic isolation is a mode for speciation and is known as sympatric. Other reasons for formation of new species are speciation, genetic drift and natural selection.
3. Species residing in the same environment and competing for the availability of resources learn and adapt to use them in different manner that will reduce competition, cohabitation and sharing of resources. Coral reef is the classic example where a range of species thrive feeding on the variety of the planktons and sea algae growing on the coral reefs. The diversity of species that feed on these algae may range to nearly 150 different species of fish.
4. A bird's beak specialised for cracking seeds will have the following physical characteristics: short, strong, thick and cone shaped beaks. The beaks have special grooves especially in the lower mandibles which fits into the upper mandibles and provides the grip for holding the nuts in place. These beaks will be able to hold the nuts between the beaks and crack as in the case of cardinals and finches. The seed shell is thus cracked by the sharp lower mandibles. This exposes the seeds that can be picked by the bird with its tip and broken to pieces to be eaten.
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