1. Variations in a population of moths allow for some of its members to be able
ID: 102320 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Variations in a population of moths allow for some of its members to be able to adapt to environmental changes. The better adapted of the moths will be able to survive the change and thus prevail as the “fittest” of the species. (a) Describe three mechanisms in which variation can occur within a species population. (b) Explain which mechanism or mechanisms would be responsible for the survival of a population of peppered moths better than white moths in an environment affected by industrial soot. Justify your answer.
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
1. Three mechanisms in which variation can occur within a species population are:
i. Mutation:
Mutation is the alteration of the base pair sequence of an individual's DNA. Mutations that are found in gametes are the only ones that are passed on to the next generation.
ii. Migration:
Migration leads to a change in allele frequencies in a population as individuals move into or out of the population.
iii. Natural Selection:
Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution that occurs when there is heritable variation for a trait and individuals with one version of the trait have greater reproductive success than do individuals with a different version of the trait.
Three conditions should be met for natural selection to occur:
a. There must be variation for the particular trait within a population.
b. The variation must be inheritable.
c. Individuals with one version of the trait must produce more offspring than those with a different version of the trait.
2. Natural selection would be responsible for the survival of a population of peppered moths better than white moths in an environment affected by industrial soot.
Due to the industrial soot, the environment would favor the dark and black moths because they would be able to blend in the surroundings better than white/light moths.
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