What is natural selection?

Natural selection is one of the fundamental mechanisms of the process of evolution. There are 4 key things to remember about the process of natural selection.1) There is genetic variation within a population and certain genes will give rise to characteristics of the gene carrying organism to be more suited to the environment. 2) Members of the population reproduce at random and to excess producing more offspring than can survive the environment.3) The parents pass on their genetic material to their offspring.4) The offspring who inherit genes that are more suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, those who do not are less likely to survive/reproduce.Thus the corresponding allele or gene frequency of advantageous phenotypes (visible/tangible characteristics of organism) will increase within a population. Therefore certain genes are naturally selected.

Answered by Eva E. Biology tutor

2459 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the structure of an egg cell is related to its function.


Why does oxygen bind to haemoglobin easier the second time?


Explain the formation of a new species


(a) (i) Give a biological molecule that contains: 1. nitrogen 2. phosphorous (ii) Describe the role of microorganisms in producing nitrates from the remains of dead organims.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences