Multiple Choice
Darwin concluded from his observations of nature and readings that:
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1. Introduction to Biology
Natural Selection and Evolution
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best example of natural selection?
A
In a very wet year, some plants grow unusually tall stalks and large leaves.
B
After several unusually cold winters, squirrels with an extra layer of fat have more offspring.
C
Squirrels may have long or short tails.
D
Dogs with longer legs are able to run faster than dogs with shorter legs.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is the process where individuals with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those advantageous traits to the next generation.
Step 2: Analyze each example to see if it involves differential survival and reproduction based on heritable traits in response to environmental pressures.
Step 3: For the example 'In a very wet year, some plants grow unusually tall stalks and large leaves,' recognize that this describes a response to environmental conditions but does not specify if these traits are heritable or if they affect reproductive success.
Step 4: For the example 'After several unusually cold winters, squirrels with an extra layer of fat have more offspring,' note that this shows a heritable trait (extra fat layer) that increases survival and reproductive success in a changed environment, fitting the definition of natural selection.
Step 5: For the other examples, consider whether they describe heritable traits affecting reproductive success due to environmental pressures; if not, they are less representative of natural selection.
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