Answer: Here are some examples of how the different parts of natural selection can apply to cactus populations:
1. Overproduction: Cacti are known for producing a large number of seeds. This is because cacti face a variety of challenges in their harsh desert environments, and by producing more seeds, they increase their chances of at least some of their offspring surviving adulthood.
2. Competition: To survive in their desert habitats, cacti must compete for limited resources like water and nutrients. Some cacti have evolved specialized root systems that allow them to tap into water sources that are inaccessible to other plants, giving them a competitive advantage.
3. Variation: Cactus populations exhibit a wide range of variations in their physical characteristics, such as the shape and size of their stems and spines. This variation is the result of genetic mutations and other factors, and it allows different cacti to better adapt to their specific environmental conditions.
4. Selection: In the harsh desert environment, cacti with traits that enable them to survive and reproduce are more likely to pass on their genes to future generations. For example, cacti with thicker stems or longer roots may be better able to withstand drought conditions, while cacti with larger or more brightly colored flowers may be more attractive to pollinators. Over time, these traits become more common in the population as a result of natural selection.