Unit 6: Evolution – Adaptation & Natural Selection
1. Core Concept: Evolution
What is Evolution?
• Definition: The process by which biological populations change over time due to changes in their genetic makeup.
• Two main scales:
o Microevolution: Small changes, e.g., development of camouflage.
o Macroevolution: Large changes over time, e.g., origin of new species.
Mechanism of Evolution
• Genetic Variation is essential:
o Mutations create new alleles.
o Sexual reproduction shuffles existing alleles.
• These variations are heritable (passed to offspring).
• Leads to differences in survival and reproduction = evolution.
3. Adaptations
What is an Adaptation?
• A heritable trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
• Examples:
o Long legs for running
o Camouflage
o Producing venom
• Adaptations arise through natural selection.
Polar Bear Case Study
Trait Type Benefit
White fur Structural Camouflage on snow, aids hunting
High nitric oxide levels Physiological Generates more heat to survive Arctic cold
Denning behavior Behavioral Protects cubs during birth and extreme weather
Types of Adaptations
Type Description Examples
Structural Physical features Fur, beaks, claws
Behavioral Habits or activities Hibernation, mating rituals
Physiological Internal chemical processes Heat regulation, venom production
Notes
4. Natural Selection
Definition
The process by which organisms with traits best suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.
Key Requirements
Principle Explanation
Variation Individuals vary in traits (e.g., some birds have longer beaks)
Overproduction More offspring are born than can survive
Heritability Traits are passed genetically to offspring
Reproductive success Traits that increase fitness become more common in the population
Misconceptions
• Not about organisms choosing to change.
• Not about acquired traits (e.g., muscle gain from working out).
True Nature
• Environment applies selective pressure (e.g., predation, food scarcity).
• Populations, not individuals, evolve.
• Only inherited traits are subject to natural selection.
5. Examples of Natural Selection
Pocket Mice
• Lava flow → dark rocks → darker mice survive due to camouflage.
• Predators remove lighter mice → darker gene variants increase.
Tuskless Elephants
• Human hunting targets tusked elephants.
• Tuskless elephants survive → tuskless trait increases in population.
Finch Beak Size (1977 Drought)
• Small seeds gone → only finches with strong beaks survive.
• Beak size increased over generations.
6. Types of Natural Selection
Type Description Example / Case Study
Directional One extreme trait is favored Lighter bear fur in snow-covered areas
Disruptive Both extremes favored; average is selected against Salmon: large males defend, small males sneak
Stabilizing Average traits are favored; extremes selected against Cacti with medium spine number
7. Population Distribution & Trait Frequency
Population Traits Over Time
• Traits can change gradually or suddenly:
o Gradual change = long-term adaptation.
o Sudden change = e.g., after disasters or migration.
Graphing Traits
• Histogram of height, beak size, fur color, etc., shows distribution.
• Natural selection changes the frequency of traits in a population.
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8. Analyzing Data & Patterns .
“Survival of the Fittest” Clarified
• Not the strongest, but the most adapted to current environment.
9. Summary: Natural Selection in Action
Step Description
Variation arises Through mutation and recombination
Selective pressure present Predation, competition, climate, etc.
Advantageous trait survives Individuals with it live longer, reproduce more
Trait spreads Over generations, the trait becomes more common in the population
