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A common example of evolutionary adaptation is that of the giraffe population eventually having longer necks, even though they have the same number of vertebrae as humans and most other mammals.

Evolution is driven by two things: random mutation and natural selection. Mutations add to the variability within a population and natural selection is like a filter that selects and propagates adaptive traits that provide some competitive advantage to individuals that have it.

To elaborate on the above example, there is naturally occurring variation within a giraffe population (as there is within any species), so that some individuals are born with slightly longer necks than others. During drought or famine, these are better able to reach higher branches on trees, gaining more food energy to survive and reproduce. In subsequent generations that inherit these traits, still others may be born with slightly longer necks than average, and thereby gain further competitive advantage for themselves and their offspring. Over the course of many generations, those with better survival traits increase in number, while those without it decline in number.

It is worth noting that, while an individual can be born with an adaptation, evolution does not apply to individuals; evolution pertains to gene pools within populations or species, and occurs over many generations.

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What are the products of evolution?

The products of evolution include the diversity of species, adaptation to environments, and the development of complex biological structures and functions. Evolution also leads to the formation of new species through the process of speciation.


What is an example of macro evolution?

One example of macroevolution is the evolution of whales from land-dwelling mammals to fully aquatic marine mammals over millions of years. This process involved significant anatomical adaptations such as changes in limb structure, development of a streamlined body shape, and adaptation of a blowhole for breathing.


How is evolution best defined as the process of change and adaptation over time in living organisms?

Evolution is the gradual process of change and adaptation in living organisms over time, leading to the development of new species from existing ones.


Explain the difference between adaptation and evolution?

Adaptation refers to specific traits that help an organism survive in its environment, while evolution is the process by which populations of organisms change over generations. Adaptation is one mechanism through which evolution occurs, as individuals with beneficial adaptations are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring.


How does adaptation play a role in evolution?

Adaptation is a key mechanism in evolution, as it allows organisms to better survive and reproduce in their environment. Individuals with advantageous traits that enhance their survival have a higher chance of passing those traits to future generations, leading to a shift in the gene pool over time. This process ultimately drives the diversity of life we see today.

Related Questions

What is the relationship between evolution and adaptation?

The relation between evolution and adaptation is that in evolution and adaptation both the body causes some physical changes


What is adaptation and evolution?

"adapted" means modified or changed or adjusted to make more suitable. Example. The man adapted a lawnmower engine to use to power his go-cart.


What is the ability to respond to the environment?

Adaptation/Evolution


What is evience for evolution?

adaptation as chronicled by Darwin


What has the author George C Williams written?

George C. Williams has written: 'The pony fish's glow' -- subject(s): Adaptation (Biology), Evolution, Human evolution 'Plan and purpose in nature' -- subject(s): Adaptation (Biology), Evolution, Human evolution, Natural selection, Evolution (Biology) 'Natural selection' -- subject(s): Natural selection 'Adaptation and natural selection' -- subject(s): Adaptation (Biology), Natural selection


What are the products of evolution?

The products of evolution include the diversity of species, adaptation to environments, and the development of complex biological structures and functions. Evolution also leads to the formation of new species through the process of speciation.


Why do dolphins have sex- linked cells?

Adaptation/Evolution


Which mechanism of evolution can cause adaptation?

Natural selection.


What is often a result of evolution?

Adaptation, divergence and speciation.


What is the difference between a response to a stimulus and an adaptation?

If you place an electrode onto a muscle and the muscle contracts, that is a response to stimuli. An adaptation is the result of the evolution of a species to better suit its habitat. For example a snake is able to produce venom.


How do species become adapted to their environment?

The process is called "adaptation."


Compare and contrast adaptation vs evolution?

Adaptation is a mechanism of evolution. It occurs in relatively short period of time among individuals or groups of individuals. Evolution takes a longer amount of time and encodes changes in the DNA of a species.