Question

The purpose of the following assignment is to illustrate that you understand and can apply the main ideas in Darwin's work.

Pretend you're a scientist and compose a five paragraph report which describes a species behaving in the wild. You may choose a REAL animal OR
you may MAKE UP an animal. Your observations do not have to be factual.
The important part of this assignment is that you illustrate your understanding of Darwin's most important concepts and use the words correctly in your
writing.
In your observations of your selected species, include the following terms in your writing
Natural selection
• Survival of the fittest
Individual difference
• Competition

Answer 1

This report will discuss the behavior of the Wooten’s Stripeback, a small mammal living in the forests of North America. The Wooten’s Stripeback is a nocturnal species that sleeps during the day and forages for food at night. During the day, they can be found hiding in burrows or tree hollows.

The Wooten’s Stripeback is a species that relies on natural selection to survive. Every individual of the species is slightly different, with variations in fur color, size, and agility. These individual differences provide an advantage for some individuals over others in various environments. The individuals that are best suited for their environment have the best chance of survival and passing on their traits, a process known as survival of the fittest.

The Wooten’s Stripeback competes with other species for resources, such as food and shelter. The individuals that are quickest, strongest, and most agile are the ones who snatch up the best resources and can live another day. This ensures that only the fittest individuals survive and pass on their traits.

The Wooten’s Stripeback relies on its individual differences to survive and reproduce, ensuring that the species will continue to exist in its environment. The individuals with the best traits are the ones who can take advantage of the resources in their environment, allowing them to survive and pass on those traits to the next generation. Natural selection and survival of the fittest are the two main processes that allow the Wooten’s Stripeback to continue to thrive in its environment.

Overall, the Wooten’s Stripeback is a species that relies on natural selection and survival of the fittest to survive and reproduce in its environment. The individual differences between the members of the species ensure that only the most fit individuals are able to take advantage of resources and successfully reproduce, allowing the species to continue to exist.

Answer 2

Introduction:

This report is focused on the behavior of a fictional species called the Nivax, which are native to the dense forests of South America. The Nivax are arboreal primates and are known for their unique social and hunting behaviors. Through my observations of this species, I have noticed a range of behaviors that highlight the concepts of natural selection, survival of the fittest, individual difference, and competition.

Natural Selection:

The Nivax exhibit behaviors that are indicative of natural selection. One example is their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. During periods of drought, the Nivax have been observed to modify their diet to include more fibrous leaves and tough barks. This behavior is a result of natural selection, as individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to their offspring.

Survival of the Fittest:

The concept of survival of the fittest is also apparent in the behavior of the Nivax. The species exhibits a clear hierarchy within their social groups, with the strongest and most dominant individuals holding the highest rank. These individuals have access to the best food and shelter, and are more likely to attract mates and reproduce. This competition for resources and status is a key aspect of survival of the fittest.

Individual Differences:

The Nivax also demonstrate individual differences in their behavior. Some individuals are more skilled hunters, while others are more adept at social maneuvering and maintaining their position within the group. These individual differences can result in competition within the group, as individuals strive to gain an advantage over their peers and increase their chances of survival.

Competition:

Competition is a pervasive aspect of Nivax behavior. This species is known for their cooperative hunting behavior, which involves individuals working together to catch prey. However, there is also competition between individuals for access to resources such as food and shelter. This competition can be fierce, with dominant individuals often using their strength and social status to gain an advantage over others.

Conclusion:

The behavior of the Nivax provides a clear illustration of several key concepts in Darwinian evolution. Their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, competition for resources and status, individual differences, and survival of the fittest all contribute to the ongoing evolution and success of the species. By observing and understanding these behaviors, we can gain insight into the complex and fascinating world of animal behavior and evolution.

I Hope This Helps!