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Artificial Selection
Also called selective breeding
What is artificial selection?
• Humans choosing traits desirable to them
rather than nature choosing traits that are
passed on
• Humans have an effect on the evolution of a
species rather than letting nature choose the
path of evolution
When is artificial selection used?
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•
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Domesticated animals such as dogs
Farming crops and animals
Pharmaceuticals (new drugs)
Genetic engineering
Pros and Cons
• Pros:
– Humans can manipulate
organisms to benefit
them
– New variations of
organisms can be
produced (example:
cabbage, broccoli,
cauliflower are all
variations of the same
plant)
• Cons:
– Selectively bred
organisms are more
susceptible to
environmental changes
and diseases
– Inbreeding can become
a problem
– In animals artificial
selection can cause
health problems