Natural selection involves changes in the genetic makeup of a population over a period of time. The random change of DNA from parent to offspring, called mutations, can help produce variations in offspring. Some mutations can be helpful, while others can be harmful. In this experiment, students modeled random mutations. Data was collected to determine if the mutations were helpful or harmful when trying to collect and eat food.
Climate changes cause a drought. There is no food to collect. To survive, the animals must become predators, catch and kill prey for food. Compare and contrast the traits of each group. Which group(s) would you expect to survive and reproduce, passing on the traits to future offspring?
Responses
A Group AGroup A
B Groups A and CGroups A and C
C Groups A, C, and EGroups A, C, and E
D None of the groups.
1 answer
I would expect Group C to survive and reproduce, passing on the traits to future offspring. Group C has developed traits that are advantageous for catching and killing prey for food, such as sharp claws and teeth, as well as excellent vision and speed. These traits would give them a better chance of survival in the new environment compared to Groups A and E. Group A does not have any specialized traits for catching prey, while Group E has mutations that are likely harmful for survival in this new predatory environment.
1 answer