Question

Decide if each statement is a fact or a misconception about the theory of evolution by natural selection. The theory proposes that while natural selection acts on individuals, only populations evolve. The theory suggests that the organisms in a population that are the most well adapted are those that are the largest. According to the theory, individual organisms can evolve during their lifespan. The theory says that organisms that are better adapted to their environments will have higher survival and reproduction rates. The theory explains the origin of life. The theory says that natural selection gives organisms everything they need to live.

Answer 1

The theory of evolution by natural selection is a factual framework that describes how populations, not individuals, evolve over time. While it states that well-adapted organisms have higher survival rates, it does not suggest that being larger is necessarily better, nor does it explain the origin of life or imply that organisms evolve during their lifetime.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

Deciding if each statement is a fact or a misconception about the theory of evolution by natural selection:

• The theory proposes that while natural selection acts on individuals, only populations evolve. This is a fact. Natural selection acts on individuals, but evolutionary change occurs in the genetic makeup of populations over time.
• The theory suggests that the organisms in a population that are the most well adapted are those that are the largest. This is a misconception. Being the largest is not synonymous with being well-adapted; adaptations depend on the specific environment and survival needs.
• According to the theory, individual organisms can evolve during their lifespan. This is a misconception. Individuals cannot evolve; evolution is a process that occurs across generations within a population.
• The theory says that organisms that are better adapted to their environments will have higher survival and reproduction rates. This is a fact. Organisms with traits that confer a survival advantage are more likely to reproduce and pass on those traits to their offspring.
• The theory explains the origin of life. This is a misconception. Evolution explains the diversity of life and how species change over time, not how life began.
• The theory says that natural selection gives organisms everything they need to live. This is a misconception. Natural selection acts on existing traits but does not "give" traits; it favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment.

Natural selection and evolution are crucial concepts in biology that explain how populations change over time due to environmental pressures and genetic variation, leading to the current diversity of life forms on Earth.

Answer 2

Natural selection is the process by which organisms are able to survive and produce offspring who use their environment successfully as compare to those which are less adapted to their environment.

• The theory proposes that while natural selection acts on individuals, only populations evolve. Fact
• The theory suggests that the organisms in a population that are the most well adapted are those that are the largest. Fact
• According to the theory, individual organisms can evolve during their lifespan. Misconception
• The theory says that organisms that are better adapted to their environments will have higher survival and reproduction rates. Fact
• The theory explains the origin of life. Misconception
• The theory says that natural selection gives organisms everything they need to live. Misconception