Answer: 1: Adaptation occurs over periods of time. It is a gradual process that happens through generations, as organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring.
2: Genetic variation is beneficial in a population because it provides the raw material for natural selection. It increases the chances of some individuals possessing advantageous traits that can help them survive and reproduce in changing environments. Genetic variation also promotes diversity, which enhances a population's ability to adapt to different conditions.
3: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits that are better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than those with less favorable traits. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of beneficial traits in a population, resulting in adaptation and evolution.
4: An example of artificial selection is the selective breeding of domesticated plants or animals by humans for specific desirable traits. For instance, breeding dogs with specific characteristics, such as a particular coat color or temperament, is a form of artificial selection.
5: Genetic modification involves the intentional alteration of an organism's genetic material using biotechnology techniques. An example of genetic modification is the creation of genetically modified crops, such as genetically engineered corn or soybeans, which have been modified to possess specific traits like resistance to pests or herbicides