Concept explainers
In everyday English, the word adaptation means an adjustment to environmental conditions. How is the evolutionary definition of adaptation different from the everyday English sense?
To determine: The way by which evolutionary definition of adaptation is different from everyday English sense.
Introduction: Evolution is a natural process that includes several changes over several generations in the characteristics of a species by the process of natural selection, thereby leading to the evolution of a new species.
Explanation of Solution
Generally, in everyday life, the term adaptation indicates modifications of a specific individual during their lifetime in the living environment for better survival. However, the changes do not influence the process of reproduction. The traits that are developed by the process of natural selection over several generations constitute evolutional adaptations; these traits can also be defined as comparative reproductive fitness. For example, consider the evolution of enzymes in organisms. Organisms that had the ability to synthesize reverse transcriptase had better chances of survival than the organisms that lacked the enzyme.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 3 Solutions
Evolutionary Analysis (5th Edition)
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Microbiology: Principles and Explorations
Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach - Standalone book
Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy & Physiology) Standalone Book
Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology Plus Mastering A&P with eText - Access Card Package (10th Edition) (New A&P Titles by Ric Martini and Judi Nath)
- Why, of all the evolutionary mechanisms, is selection the only one that can result in adaptation?arrow_forwardWhich of the following is true about adaptation? a) It occurs through the inheritance of acquired characteristics b) It always results in the evolution of new traits c) It is a result of chance mutations d) It is the result of natural selection acting on heritable variationarrow_forwardThe image below shows how the Pokemon Charmeleon evolves into Charizard over generations. Pokemon fight battles in order to evolve into stronger Pokemon. When Charmeleon (on the left) wins enough battles, they evolve into Charizard shown on the right. If they don't defeat other pokemon they will stay in the form on the left. Explain why this fictional process is not a realistic representation of evolution. Refer to commonly held misconceptions as well as criteria for evolution by natural selection in your answer.arrow_forward
- Which of the following statements about ADAPTATION are TRUE? (Identify ALL that are TRUE) Select 3 correct answer(s) Question options: Adaptations include PHENOTYPE changes within a species or population, in response to changing environment Adaptations include changes in GENE EXPRESSION within individuals, making individuals better suited to changes in environmental conditions Adaptations include GENOTYPE changes within a species or population, making individuals better suited to a particular environment Adaptations include GENOTYPE changes within a species or population, in response to changing environment Adaptations include PHENOTYPE changes within an individual, making that individual better suited to a particular environmentarrow_forwardNatural selection and artificial selection or selective breeding can both cause changes in animals and plants. The difference between the two is that natural selection happens naturally, but selective breeding only occurs when humans intervene. Changes in genetic traits have occurred over generations through both natural selection and selective breeding although the occur through different means. What characterizes only artificial selection? Choose all that apply. A) chickens that lay larger eggs are favored B) selection increases the chances of surviving C) selection make a species stronger and fit for survival D) selection favors the desired characters in the new organismsarrow_forwardPeter and Rosemary Grant are two biologists that were able to document evolution happening among finches in the Galapagos Islands, over the course of about 35 years. What causes these species to change over time? Changing weather events, like droughts and floods caused different traits to be more or less beneficial. The islands they live on were shifting during that period of time. The humans living there killed the birds they didn't like., The predators in the area were more likely to eat large birds. Submit 9% 6. marrow_forward
- What is one way you can use the theory of evolution to understand things in everyday life ? This can be anything from a better understanding of a disease to a deeper appreciation for art or philosophy.arrow_forwardHow is variation different from adaptation? * Variations are physical or behavioral traits that make an organism better suited to its environment while adaptation comes from random mutations. no answer Variation is a difference within an individual organism from the rest of the population. An adaptation is a feature that helps an organism survive in its environment. Adaptation is a difference within an individual organism from the rest of the population. A variation is a feature that helps an organism survive in its environment. Variation is always caused by mutation while adaptation is a heritable trait. Which of the following BEST explains Darwin's observation on populations of various species that seemed well-suited to their environment? * Species had been introduced to particular areas by humans on purpose. no answer Species might be able to adapt to their surroundings over time. The species Darwin saw were all related to each other. Some environments rarely ever change.arrow_forwardYou are wandering in the Amazon rainforest, when you hear the loud call of an animal. You walk in the direction of the sound, and discover that it is coming from an adorable species of frog. a) What type of adaptation is being displayed by this species of frog? b) Describe how selection could work FOR and AGAINST this adaptation.arrow_forward
- Explain how natural selection can lead to adaptation.arrow_forwardHow are adaptation (as a unifying theme) is exhibited across different organism?arrow_forwardWe have five tastes related to the taste buds on our tongue: sweet, salty, umami, bitter and sour.Not all animals have the same tastes we do. Why do we have these particular five tastes? What does each one detect on a molecular level? What do you think the evolutionary advantage is for each? Finally, how has our environment changed to make some of these "tastes" change from an advantage to a disadvantage in an evolutionary sense.arrow_forward
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education