Question

natural selection vocabulary practice
name
a) artificial selection - the identification by humans of desirable traits in plants and animals
n) natural selection - the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their
environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species
place an a for artificial selection or an n for natural selection into the following blanks
_giraffes with the longer necks will be able to reach the taller leaves so they will survive and pass on
their genes.
_during periods with very little rainfall, finches with bigger beaks were able to survive by cracking
open thicker seeds. they were able to survive and pass on their genes.
_humans breed cuter dogs because people want the cutest puppies.
_peacocks with the brightest and most colorful tails are more likely to attract a female.
_certain types of crops have been genetically modified to make them easier to farm in mass
quantities.
_cows, pigs, and other farm animals have been selectively bred for generations for multiple
reasons.
_racing horses are chosen to breed because of their speed and body type. making them worth a lot
of money.
_dark caterpillars blend in with dark tree bark making them camouflaged from potential predators.
_white bunnies blend into the arctic snow. the dark bunnies stand out, making it easier for foxes to
find them.
_the faster leopard seals are successful in finding fish for their meals. the slower ones do not eat
and therefore will most likely die.
_wild bananas have very large seeds, and have a thick tough skin. humans have engineered
bananas to not have seeds and to make them easy to peel.
c) convergent evolution - the process in which organisms that are not closely related
independently evolve similar features
d) divergent evolution - occurs when two different species share a common ancestor but
have different characteristics from one another

Explanation:

• Giraffes with longer necks: This is a natural trait (longer necks) that helps them survive (reach taller leaves) in their environment without human intervention. So it's natural selection.
• Finches with bigger beaks during dry periods: The beak size is a trait that helps them survive (crack thicker seeds) in a natural environmental condition (low rainfall). So it's natural selection.
• Humans breed cuter dogs: This is clearly driven by human preference (wanting cute puppies), so it's artificial selection.
• Peacocks with bright tails attracting females: This is a natural mating - related trait (bright tails) that helps in reproduction in the wild (without human control). So it's natural selection.
• Genetically modified crops: This is a human - made modification (genetic engineering) for farming purposes. So it's artificial selection.
• Farm animals selectively bred: Selective breeding by humans (for multiple reasons) is artificial selection.
• Racing horses chosen to breed: Human selection (based on speed and body type for money - related breeding) is artificial selection.
• Dark caterpillars blending with bark: This is a natural camouflage trait (blending with bark) for survival (avoiding predators) in the wild. So it's natural selection.
• White bunnies in arctic snow: The white color is a natural adaptation (blending with snow) for survival (avoiding foxes). So it's natural selection.
• Faster leopard seals: The speed is a natural trait that helps in survival (finding food) in their environment. So it's natural selection.
• Engineered bananas: Human engineering (no seeds, easy to peel) is artificial selection.

Answer:

1. N
2. N
3. A
4. N
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. N
9. N
10. N
11. A