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Genetic variation. If there were no variation in the genes/phenotype then natural selection would have nothing to select from.

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What characteristic witin populations causes natural selection to occur?

The characteristic within the population that causes natural selection to occur is that individuals within a given population are not all identical because they vary. The other characteristic that causes natural selection to occur is that some variants are better than the others.


In order for evolution by natural selection to occur what has to happen?

There must be genetic variation, the variation must be heritable, and there must be differential reproduction (due to competition).


What kind of selection can result in speciation?

Natural selection seems to be the only selection that can drive speciation with powerful adaptive change. Sexual selection seems to stay within the species and both gene flow and genetic drift do not seem to drive speciation very well.


What are the 5 ways a population can evolve?

A population will most likely evolve when there is a small population, mutations exists, natural selection may take place, nonrandom mating occurs, and/or gene flow may occur. Sexual selection, genetic drift, Gene flow, Mutation, and natural selection are five ways a population can evolve. Sexual selection is natural selection arising through preference by one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex. Genetic drift is variation in the relative frequency of different genotypes in a small population, owing to the chance disappearance of particular genes as individuals die or do not reproduce. Gene flow is the transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another. Mutation is the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes. Natural selection is the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin and is now believed to be the main process that brings about evolution.


How does natural selection lead to evolution of a population?

In its simplest definition, evolution is the change of allele frequencies within a population over time. There are two main ways an allele can change in frequency: # Natural selection-- alleles that are beneficial will rise in frequency due to natural selection, while those that are detrimental will fall in frequency (and even be lost entirely) # Genetic Drift-- alleles can change in frequency from generation to generation due to chance factors, such as sampling error. It is the primary reason for frequency change in selectively neutral alleles. Very small populations are particularly prone to this kind of change, although all finite populations experience genetic drift to some degree.

Related Questions

What characteristic within populations causes natural to occur?

genetic variation


What characteristic within populations causes natural selectio?

Variation in traits within populations is the characteristic that causes natural selection. This variation could be due to genetic differences or environmental factors, and individuals with traits that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this process leads to the evolution of populations as adaptations become more common.


What characteristic within populations causes natral selection to occur?

Variations within populations is what natural selection is " looking " for. That one variant of a population is somewhat better able to survive and reproduce than other variants against the backdrop of the immediate environment is natural selection.


What characteristic witin populations causes natural selection to occur?

The characteristic within the population that causes natural selection to occur is that individuals within a given population are not all identical because they vary. The other characteristic that causes natural selection to occur is that some variants are better than the others.


How does natural selection impact the evolution of populations and the selection of traits within individuals?

Natural selection is a process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. Over time, this leads to the evolution of populations as certain traits become more common. This process helps shape the characteristics of individuals within a population, as those with beneficial traits are more likely to thrive and pass on their genes.


What introduced the concept of biological evolution through natural selection?

Charles Darwin introduced the concept of biological evolution through natural selection in his book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. Darwin proposed that species evolve over successive generations through the process of natural selection acting on variations within populations.


What characteristics within populations cause of natural selection to occur?

Variation within populations, heritability of traits, and differential reproductive success are the key characteristics that lead to natural selection. Variation allows for the existence of different traits, heritability ensures that these traits can be passed on to offspring, and differential reproductive success means that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to the next generation.


Why does natural selection not result in populations achieving perfect adaptation to their environment?

Natural selection does not result in populations achieving perfect adaptation to their environment because the environment is constantly changing, which means that what is considered advantageous in one situation may not be advantageous in another. Additionally, genetic variation within a population means that not all individuals will have the same traits that are best suited for a particular environment.


What chararestic within populations causes natural selection to occur?

Variation in traits within a population is what causes natural selection to occur. When individuals in a population exhibit different traits, those that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to the next generation. This process leads to the gradual change of a population over time.


How can genetic drift and gene flow affect natural selection?

Genetic drift can reduce genetic variation within a population, making it harder for natural selection to act upon beneficial traits. Gene flow, on the other hand, can introduce new genetic variation into a population, potentially increasing the pool of traits for natural selection to act upon. Overall, both genetic drift and gene flow can influence the effectiveness of natural selection by altering the genetic composition of populations.


What is an important factor of natural selection?

Variations within a population


Do mutation evolution and natural selection apply to individuals or populations?

Since the natural selection is a theory, we can not apply a theory as a science. Even though some scientists believed in natural selection: think of Nazi scientists, Soviet scientists, etc. They were 100% evolutionist believers. Nobody yet seen atoms but we believe that they exist...strange. We apply faith in some modern science...hmmm...