Download Natural Selection

The Process of
Natural
Selection
Natural Selection
• Process in which organisms
that are best suited for the
environment survive and pass
on their beneficial genes
• It is the process by which
evolution occurs
Natural Selection
Step 1…
Mutations cause variations /
adaptations within a population
of organisms.
Natural Selection
Step 2…
Some variations/adaptations
are favorable because they help
the organism survive in their
unique environment.
The organisms born with these
favorable adaptations will
survive.
Other organisms who do not
have the adaptation may die as
a result of disease or starvation,
or are killed by predators.
Natural Selection
Step 3…
These surviving organisms will
then reproduce and possibly
pass down the favorable
adaptation through genes to
some of the offspring.
Natural Selection
Step 4…
Over time more organisms will
have the favorable adaptation
and, as a result, populations
change.
Natural Selection
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Natural selection is the PROCESS that
results in evolution.
It "screens" traits that are available. It
doesn’t create new traits.
It favors those characteristics that fit
the specific current, local
environment.