Question

Match each scenario with the correct component of natural selection.


On average, sea turtles lay about 110 eggs in a clutch. However, only a fraction of the baby turtles make it to the ocean. Then, an even smaller number have offspring of their own.

While all zebras have stripes, no two zebras share the same stripe pattern.

A lemur species called aye-ayes have very long, thin middle fingers that allow them to reach into holes in trees and dig out bugs to eat.

Answer 1

- Sea turtles (110 eggs, few survive): Overproduction/struggle for existence leading to differential survival and reproduction — more offspring are produced than can survive, so only some reproduce.
- Zebras (unique stripe patterns): Variation — individuals in the population differ in traits (stripe patterns).
- Aye-ayes (long, thin middle finger): Heritable adaptation (inheritance + selective advantage) — a heritable trait that improves access to food and therefore increases fitness.