Evolution and Natural Selection

Question 1

Q: Who first conceived the theory of evolution?

Answer 1

A: Charles Darwin.

Question 2

Q: What are the four principles underlying natural selection?

Answer 2

A:

Traits must be heritable.
New traits arise through random genetic mutations.
Traits affect an organism’s reproductive success.
Competition for limited resources leads to differential survival.

Question 3

Q: What drives the process of natural selection?

Answer 3

A: The differential success of heritable traits based on how well they improve an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.

Question 4

Q: Is evolution a random process?

Answer 4

A: No, while new traits may arise randomly, the selection of traits is non-random and based on reproductive success.