Answer: Fetal mortality can serve as a selection factor for evolution because it influences the genetic makeup of a population over time. Fetal mortality refers to the death of embryos or fetuses before they are born. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors such as genetic abnormalities, environmental conditions, or maternal health issues.
Explanation: One way fetal mortality affects evolution is through natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to the next generation. If a certain genetic trait increases the likelihood of fetal mortality, individuals carrying that trait may be less likely to reproduce successfully. As a result, the frequency of the harmful trait in the population decreases over time.
For example, let's consider a hypothetical population of rabbits. If a genetic mutation increases the risk of fetal mortality in rabbit embryos, those embryos are less likely to develop into healthy rabbits. Consequently, the individuals carrying this mutation will have fewer offspring that survive to reproductive age. Over generations, the frequency of this harmful mutation will decrease as it is selected against, leading to a population with a lower incidence of fetal mortality.
On the other hand, some genetic traits may decrease the risk of fetal mortality and promote successful reproduction. In this case, individuals carrying these beneficial traits will have a higher chance of producing offspring that survive to reproductive age. These beneficial traits will become more common in the population over time through natural selection.
In summary, fetal mortality can influence evolution by acting as a selection factor. Genetic traits that increase the risk of fetal mortality are likely to decrease in frequency over generations, while traits that decrease the risk of fetal mortality may become more common. This process of natural selection helps shape the genetic makeup of a population and leads to evolutionary changes.