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What are the conditions required for natural selection? Check all that apply.

overproduction of offspring
same traits among all organisms in a population
variation among organisms in a population
favorable adaptations selected by nature
unfavorable adaptations passed on to offspring in larger numbers
favorable adaptations building in population over time

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Natural selection requires conditions such as overproduction of offspring, variation among organisms, selection of favorable adaptations, and favorable adaptations becoming more prevalent over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conditions required for natural selection to occur include:

  • Overproduction of offspring: This leads to competition for resources and some individuals do not survive to reproduce.
  • Variation among organisms in a population: Differences in traits are necessary for there to be characteristics that can be favored or not by the natural selection process.
  • Favorable adaptations selected by nature: These are traits that increase an individual's chances of survival and reproduction in their environment.
  • Favorable adaptations building in population over time: As favorable traits are passed on more frequently, they become more common in the population.

However, the following are not conditions for natural selection:

  • Same traits among all organisms in a population: This would lead to no variation, and natural selection relies on the presence of different traits.
  • Unfavorable adaptations passed on to offspring in larger numbers: Unfavorable adaptations would typically lead to less survival and reproduction, thus getting selected against over time.
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