Question

Evolution theory says that the fittest of the fittest pass their genes on. Perhaps an oversimplification, but this would mean that slower lions would be less likely to pass on their genes. For example, lions that are slower would eat less, become weaker, be less attractive to their mates ... and therefore, be less likely to pass on their genes compared to lions that could run faster. And evolution theory also would suggest that the speed of a lion cub would be statistically closer to its parents - faster lions are more likely to produce faster lion cubs and vice versa. Obviously, there is probably a terminal speed - that is, lions wont eventually run at the speed of light, and likely plateau at some speed after many evolutions ... and then the rate of increase will likely be negligible from generation to generation. This brings me to my question: Do we know if animals like lions are running faster than they were 1 million years ago?If we define a new ratio variable as R = (average speed of lions)/(average speed of gazelles) ... do we know if this variable R has remained relatively constant over the past 1 million years?

Answer 1

The theory of evolution suggests that faster individuals are more likely to pass on their genes. It is challenging to determine if lions are running faster than they were 1 million years ago, as there are no direct records. The variable R, which compares the average speed of lions to gazelles, is likely to have changed over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory of evolution states that the fittest individuals are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation. In the case of animals like lions, their speed can be an advantageous trait for survival and reproduction. Slower lions may struggle to catch prey, resulting in less food and lower chances of reproducing. Over time, the average speed of lion populations may increase as faster individuals have a better chance of survival and passing on their genes.

However, it is important to note that evolution is not goal-directed and does not aim to make species faster or better. The rate of evolution depends on various factors such as environmental changes and the generation time of a species. It is difficult to determine if lions are running faster than they were 1 million years ago as there are no direct records of lion speeds from that time. Additionally, genetic changes may occur gradually over many generations, making it challenging to measure such changes over a million-year timeframe.

Regarding the ratio variable R, which compares the average speed of lions to the average speed of gazelles, it is unlikely that this variable has remained relatively constant over the past 1 million years. Gazelles and lions have likely co-evolved, with gazelles evolving strategies to outrun predators like lions. Evolution is a dynamic process, and the traits of both predators and prey can change in response to each other over time.