Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 9

What are selective pressures, and how do they relate to natural selection?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Selective pressures are environmental factors that influence an organism's survival and reproduction. Natural selection is a process where organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their traits. The two concepts are interrelated - selective pressures act as the conditions that drive natural selection, with organisms best 'selected' by these pressure more likely to survive and pass on their traits.

Step by step solution

01

Define Selective Pressures

Selective pressures are environmental factors that influence the probability of an organism surviving and reproducing. These could be factors such as predation, availability of food, or competition. Organisms with traits that allow them to better cope with these pressures have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
02

Define Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution. It is the process by which organisms that are best adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characteristics to the succeeding generation.
03

Relation between Selective Pressures and Natural Selection

Selective pressures and natural selection are interrelated. Selective pressures act as the circumstances or conditions that drive natural selection. The organisms best suited or 'selected' by these pressures are more likely to survive, reproduce, and transmit their advantageous traits to the next generation, which is the essence of natural selection.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the predator-prey relationship between the moose and wolves of Isle Royale. What other factors influence these two populations?

What problems arise when a species is introduced from a foreign ecosystem? Why do these problems occur?

Describe several types of adaptations a species might have that would allow it to survive in a dry environment, escape predation, or lower competition with another species.

Differentiate between the terms critical number and carrying capacity. What is density dependence?

What is plate tectonics, and how does this theory explain past movements of the continents? How have past tectonic movements affected the present-day distribution of plant and animal species on Earth's surface?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Energy Resources

Read Explanation

Pollution

Read Explanation

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Living Environment

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free