Question

Which of the following statements describes an example of natural selection?

Answer 1

- A tuna with differently shaped fin can swim faster and catch prey than other tuna.

- An aloe vera plant with extra thick leaves survives a long drought in a desert, while an aloe vera plant with thinner leaves does not.

Answer 2

Answer;

An aloe vera plant possessing a trait for extra thick leaves survives a long drought in a desert, while an aloe vera plant that has thinner leaves does not.

Explanation;

• Natural selection occurs when organisms with traits that are well-suited to an environment tend to survive and reproduce at a greater rate than organisms that are less suited to an environment.
• In this case, the trait for extra thick leaves in aloe vera plant is well suited to the environment of a desert. Therefore, those aloe vera plants with this trait will tend to be more adaptable to the desert environment and survive a long drought in a desert, while those plant without this trait will die as they are not adaptable to the environment.