Question
Of the following, which condition(s) are necessary for natural selection to occur? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
Responses
There must be little to no genetic variation in the population so that it is a pure test of mental strength as to who survives.
There must be little to no genetic variation in the population so that it is a pure test of mental strength as to who survives.
There must be a struggle to survive so that the weak organisms will die off.
There must be a struggle to survive so that the weak organisms will die off.
No mutations can happen so adaptations can be avoided.
No mutations can happen so adaptations can be avoided.
Reproduction must occur so that favorable traits can be passed on.
Reproduction must occur so that favorable traits can be passed on.
Individuals must either leave or enter the population.
Responses
There must be little to no genetic variation in the population so that it is a pure test of mental strength as to who survives.
There must be little to no genetic variation in the population so that it is a pure test of mental strength as to who survives.
There must be a struggle to survive so that the weak organisms will die off.
There must be a struggle to survive so that the weak organisms will die off.
No mutations can happen so adaptations can be avoided.
No mutations can happen so adaptations can be avoided.
Reproduction must occur so that favorable traits can be passed on.
Reproduction must occur so that favorable traits can be passed on.
Individuals must either leave or enter the population.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The following conditions are necessary for natural selection to occur:
1. **There must be a struggle to survive so that the weak organisms will die off.**
2. **Reproduction must occur so that favorable traits can be passed on.**
The other options are not necessary for natural selection:
- **There must be little to no genetic variation in the population so that it is a pure test of mental strength as to who survives.** (Incorrect - Genetic variation is essential for natural selection to act upon.)
- **No mutations can happen so adaptations can be avoided.** (Incorrect - Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which are crucial for evolution.)
- **Individuals must either leave or enter the population.** (This is not a requirement for natural selection, although it can affect the gene pool and population dynamics.)
In summary, the two necessary conditions for natural selection are the struggle for survival and reproduction of individuals with favorable traits.
1. **There must be a struggle to survive so that the weak organisms will die off.**
2. **Reproduction must occur so that favorable traits can be passed on.**
The other options are not necessary for natural selection:
- **There must be little to no genetic variation in the population so that it is a pure test of mental strength as to who survives.** (Incorrect - Genetic variation is essential for natural selection to act upon.)
- **No mutations can happen so adaptations can be avoided.** (Incorrect - Mutations introduce new genetic variations, which are crucial for evolution.)
- **Individuals must either leave or enter the population.** (This is not a requirement for natural selection, although it can affect the gene pool and population dynamics.)
In summary, the two necessary conditions for natural selection are the struggle for survival and reproduction of individuals with favorable traits.