1. The Theory of Natural Selection

2. Artificial Selection
Humans created diversity choosing specific traits to breed
Dogs, Crops, Livestock
Humans selected (not naturally) traits thought to be advantageous
Only inheritable traits can be passed down
Importance: Shows life can change over a period of time

3. Dog traits have been selected by breeders for centuries to produce various breeds.

4. Plants have been bred to produce certain traits for human use also!

5. Natural Selection Four factors:
With adaptation
Without adaptation
Not all these wildebeest will survive
These kittens have variations
Four factors:
1) Overpopulation: more offspring are born than can survive
2) Variation: individuals of a population have differences
3) Adaptation: Some variations allow a better chance of survival
4) Descent w/ modification: Those with advantages will reproduce and make more of the population

6. The Myth

7. Which rabbit is best adapted to this environment?
Over time, those not adapted most likely die…that’s natural selection!

8. Which rabbit is best adapted?
Do the dark rabbits turn white? No! They get eaten.

9. Struggle for Survival Populations do not grow unchecked
Limiting Factors: food, water, shelter, disease, predators
Fitness: measure of the ability to survive & produce more offspring

10. New environments are continally created
New environments are continally created. Life adapts with the changing conditions.

11. Changing Environments
Evidence of a changing Earth
Marine fossils atop mountains
Dry valleys with ocean fossils
Rivers create canyons
As the environment changed due to continents drifting…
Those with adaptation: more likely to survive & reproduce
Those without adaptation: more likely to perish

12. Natural Selection in Action:
The Peppered Moth Analysis
Before the industrial revolution, the trees in the forest around Manchester, England were a light grey/green due to the color of lichens (fungus) on their trunks. Peppered moths, or Biston betularia, which lived in the area, were mostly lightly colored with dark spots. However, there was some color variation between the moths. The most common moth color was light with dark spots and the least common were dark with light spots. Because there were not enough resources to support the entire population, the members of this species had to compete for survival. Their coloring, when against a similar background, served as camouflage against predators such as birds and lizards, thus increasing chances of survival.

13. Natural Selection in Action:
The Peppered Moth Analysis
As the Industrial Revolution progressed, the trees became covered with sulfur dioxide, turning the trunks dark.

14. Kobe Kuiz What is artificial selection? What is natural selection?
How does natural selection lead to population changes?
Explain why scientists believe the Earth’s environments have been changing for millions of years.
Why don’t populations (such as deer) continue to grow unchecked?